Gordon was stricken to silence. The last avenue of escape was closed. “Very well,” he said. “I promise you I will give you no further trouble.” He pulled in the rope, let down the window and drew the blinds. “Now, if you don’t mind,” he said, “I would like to go to sleep. I have been up the whole of the night.” She nodded. “You may sleep, but Mr. Superbus will sit in this room. I will lock the door on you both----” “Personally, I prefer sitting outside,” said Mr. Superbus hastily. “I should like a smoke.” “You will remain,” said Diana with firmness. “If he does, I’ll chuck him out of the window,” said Gordon savagely. Mr. Superbus backed from the room. “He’ll be all right, ma’am--miss,” he said. “Trust old Uncle Isaac.” Diana knew that it was useless to insist. She shut the door on her captive and went down to The Study, being confident that he would make no further attempt at escape. She must get in touch with Bobbie, must even risk his annoyance at being dragged from his bed at that unearthly hour. She took up the telephone and put through a call. It was answered with surprising rapidity. The voice of an unknown man spoke: she guessed it was Bobbie’s servant. “It is Miss Ford speaking. Can I speak to Mr. Selsbury?” “He hasn’t been home all night, miss. I’ve been sitting up for him. He said he might get into London at daybreak.” “Where is he?” she asked. “He’s gone to Ostend, miss. He telephoned me from Dover.” The news was unexpected and a little alarming. “Has he gone alone?” she asked. “To the best of my knowledge and belief, miss,” said Bobbie’s man, tactfully, diplomatically and legally. Diana hung up the receiver. Had they lured Bobbie, she wondered? CHAPTER XVIII Bobbie Selsbury had gone to Victoria to rescue his brother at the eleventh hour from a situation which could be mildly described as dangerous. He had searched one Continental train from end to end, and was half way through another when the guard’s whistle sounded, and he was faced with the alternatives of leaving his search incomplete or going on to Dover. He decided upon the latter course, continuing his inspection of the compartments, roving Pullman cars, peeping in upon indignant honeymoon couples, without discovering the object of his search. At Dover he discovered that there had been a relief train leave Victoria at a quarter to eleven; the passengers were already on the steamer. Gordon may have come by that, he thought, and made his decision. He had no passport, but most of the restrictions affecting Continental travel, especially travel to Belgium, had been removed, and he was able to convince the passport officer at the barrier that his business was of such urgency, and his identity so well established, that a little licence might be extended to him; and, on the promise that he would return after leaving the ship, he was allowed to pass to the quayside.