We had reached the Achilles Statue, and a hurried retrospect showed me the terrier some thirty paces away, exchanging discourtesies with an Aberdeen. The two were walking round each other with a terrible deliberation, and from their respective demeanours it was transparently clear that only an immediate distraction could avert the scandal of a distressing brawl. Regardless of my surroundings, I summoned the Sealyham in my "parade" voice. To my relief he started and, after a menacing look at his opponent, presumably intended to discourage an attack in rear, cautiously withdrew from his presence and, once out of range, came scampering in our direction. My brother-in-law and Daphne, whom we had outdistanced, arrived at the same time. As I was reproving the terrier-- "The very people," said a familiar voice. It was the Assistant Commissioner, labouring under excitement which he with difficulty suppressed. He had been hurrying, and was out of breath. "I want you to cross the road and walk along by the side of The Row," he said jerkily. "If you see anyone you recognize, take off your hat. And, Mrs. Pleydell, you lower your parasol." "But, my dear chap," said Berry, "they were all masked." "Well, if you recognize a voice, or even----" "A voice? My dear fellow, we're in the open air. Besides, what jury----" "For Heaven's sake," cried the other, "do as I ask I I know it's a chance in a million. Think me mad, call me a fool--anything you like ... but go." His earnestness was irresistible. I whistled to Nobby--who had seized the opportunity of straying, apparently by accident, towards a bull-terrier--and started to stroll in the direction of The Row. Jill walked beside me, twittering, and a glance over my shoulder showed me my sister and Berry a horse's length behind. Behind them, again, came the Assistant Commissioner. We crossed the road and entered the walk he had mentioned. It was a beautiful day. The great sun flamed out of a perfect sky, and there was little or no wind. With the exception of a riding-master and two little girls The Row was empty, but the walk was as crowded as a comfortably filled ball-room, if you except the dancers who are sitting out; for, while three could walk abreast with small inconvenience either to others or themselves, there was hardly a seat to spare. I have seen smarter parades. It was clear that many _habitues_ had already left Town, and that a number of visitors had already arrived. But there was apparent the same quiet air of gaiety, the same good humour which fine feathers bring, and, truth to tell, less _ennui_ and more undisguised enjoyment than I can ever remember. Idly I talked with Jill, not thinking what I said nor noticing what she answered, but my heart was pounding against my ribs, and I was glancing incessantly from side to side in a fever of fear lest I should miss the obvious.