"You have your instructions," he said. "And you have seen Major Lyveden, and heard him consent to act. Prepare the necessary papers immediately and send them to me for signature. If any question arises, lay it before me by letter. If you must see me"--the unfortunate attorney blenched--"write and say so. I need hardly add that, with regard to what has passed between us, I expect your observation of the strictest confidence." "M-most certainly, sir." "One thing more." An envelope passed. "There is a cheque on account. If on reflection you wish to take counsel's opinion, and that is not enough, write and say so." He put out his hand. "Good-bye. I'm much obliged to you for coming. I hope you'll be none the worse." With starting eyes Mr. Plowman touched the great palm. Then his client turned, and, clapping a hat on his head, strode off into the wilderness. As the sound of his footsteps died-- "There's a paper--in there--on the table," said Mr. Plowman. "And my hat and coat--and bag..." "I'll get them," said Anthony. "It's--it's very good of you." When he returned, the lawyer had fastened his collar and was nervously bullying his tie into place. "Have you a conveyance?" said Anthony. "N-no, sir. I sent the fly away. I had thought I would walk back," he added miserably. Clearly the chance of encountering Winchester was not at all to his taste. "You'd better come with me," said Lyveden. "It's the quickest way to Girdle. I live in the cottage close to the London road." Mr. Plowman felt inclined to put his arms round Anthony's neck.... Three-quarters of an hour later the little attorney stepped, with a sigh of relief, on to the King's highway. Going and pace had tried him pretty hard, and he was simply streaming with sweat. He pushed back his hat and blew out his cheeks comically. Then he set down his bag and started to mop his face. "By Jove!" he said, panting. "By Jove, I'm glad to be----" His eyes resting upon Anthony, he broke off and fell a-staring. "Why," he cried, "you haven't turned a hair!" Anthony smiled. "I take a lot of hard exercise," he explained. "By Jove!" said Mr. Plowman, wide-eyed. "Well, I'm awfully obliged to you." "You've nothing to thank me for." Lyveden pointed to the cottage. "That's where I live." He put out his hand. "Are you all right now?" "Splendid, thanks. Can't think how I came to faint like that. Of course..." He took the outstretched hand meditatively. "The room was unusually hot," said Anthony. The other stared at him. "Yes," he said slowly. "By Jove, yes...." With a sudden movement he picked up his bag. "Good-bye." The next moment he was plodding down the broad white road. Anthony watched him till he could see him no more. Then he turned on his heel and whistled to his dog. As he did so, the purr of an engine rose out of the distance, and he turned to see a large touring-car sailing towards him from the direction of Town.