"It's too damp for him to be out. Gout's a kind of rheumatism, and that always has to be kept dry," Jill declared learnedly. "He's sure to be in, but I've got a card, just in case. It's a correspondence one cut down, and I've printed our names on it, and `Kind inquiries' in the corner, like mother puts. It's fine! When I cough it will mean that I don't know what to say next, so you must go on while I think. If he asks us to stay to tea, we must say we can't, until he begs us again." "But suppose he didn't--that would be a pretty sell! I shan't do anything so silly," said cautious Jack. "I'll accept at once." "Well--perhaps. But it's politer to make a fuss. Is it a man who opens the door, or a woman?" "A man--looks like an old soldier himself." "What's the proper way to tell him our names?" "Jack and Mary Trevor, of course." "It isn't! Miss Mary Trevor and Master Jack Trevor, if you please!" "If you're miss, I'm mister. I'm not going to be called `master,' as if I were a kid!" "All right, then--Miss and Mr Trevor. I'll speak, because I'm the lady, and give him the card to carry up." Jack was not at all anxious to take the lead, so he assented by means of the usual grunt, and when the door of the flat was reached, and the man- servant appeared in response to a furious onslaught on the electric bell, he stood by silently while Jill conducted operations. "Does a gentleman called General Digby live here?" "He does, madam." Jill gave a toss to her saucy head. She had never before been addressed as "madam," and the sensation was distinctly agreeable. "We want to see him, please." The butler looked in hesitating fashion from one of the strange visitors to the other--Jill with her elfin locks, shabby hat and thick woollen gloves; Jack with his hands thrust deep into his pockets, his school cap at the back of his head. "I am not sure, madam, that the General is receiving this afternoon." "Then please take in my card and inquire," returned Jill with a burst of dignity, which surprised herself and rilled Jack with admiration. The butler also looked distinctly impressed, though the card itself, when produced from the recesses of Jill's pocket, had somewhat lost its first crispness and beauty. He placed it on a silver salver and disappeared down the passage, while the twins peered curiously through the doorway. Old guns, swords, and curious-looking Eastern weapons hung against the wall; stags' heads peered over the different doorways; a great glass- case of stuffed birds stood on a table. "Hidjus!" thought Jill. "Ripping!" thought Jack, his mind turning longingly to the exciting scenes of sport in which these trophies had been captured. He had time to examine them pretty thoroughly before the servant returned, but when he did make his appearance he brought with him the desired answer. The General was "at home," and would be pleased to receive Miss and Mr Trevor forthwith. CHAPTER TEN. THE GENERAL'S STORY.