Bobbie opened the door and found Mr. Superbus sitting on the bottom stair, manicuring his nails with a clasp-knife. “Giving you any trouble, sir?” he asked eagerly, and was disappointed when Bobbie Selsbury shook his head. “None whatever.” He walked back into the room. “Now then, Uncle Isaac, clear out!” “Did he try to escape, sir?” asked the interested custodian. Bobbie laughed his Cain and Abel laugh. His brother wondered where Diana kept her little gun. “Did he try to escape? I should jolly well say he did!” said Bobbie. “Look after him, Mr. Superbus. You have in your able hands a man of singular cunning and resource.” Mr. Superbus shook his head sorrowfully. “You’re a naughty old Uncle Isaac, that’s what you are,” he said. “I’m surprised at you.” Gordon collected his dusters and staggered from the room. He was at the end of his dream. “I’m a naughty old Uncle Isaac,” he moaned. “I’m a naughty old Uncle Isaac!” His moan came up from the deep recesses of the kitchen. CHAPTER XX “Bobbie!” The girl came toward him with both hands outstretched. Behind her in the hall he saw a strange shadow. “Hullo, dear! I came as soon as you wanted me, I hope?” Mr. Dempsi was now visible. His black sombrero gave him a sinister appearance. His voice was querulous, his manner menacing. “Dear?” he asked deeply. “Who calls you ‘dear’? What is this man to you, Diana?” “My dear Mr. Dempsi,” she said wearily, “this gentleman.” But he was furious; flung his hat on the ground and swung his cloak from him with the air of a _capelerro_. Bobbie expected to see a belt with knives and pistols--the poker dot waistcoat was an anticlimax. “I will not endure it,” he stormed. “Do you hear, sir? You address this lady as dear--explain!” She saved Bobbie the trouble. “This is Mr. Selsbury, my cousin.” Diana was dangerously quiet. Probably Mr. Dempsi, from his long acquaintance with her, recognised the signs. “Ah! Your cousin! I see the likeness. The same beautiful eyes, the same firm but gentle mouth. The slight figure, the lovely hand----” Bobbie was annoyed. “Thank you very much, but when you’ve finished cataloguing my features and describing my delectable points, perhaps you’ll tell me who you are?” He was antagonistic, and he needed no introduction. For he knew the bearded man, and shared the spurious Gordon’s resentment and utter dislike. “This is Mr. Dempsi,” said Diana. “You’ve heard me speak of him?” There was an appeal in her eyes which Bobbie could not resist. He made a show of being happy to meet Mr. Dempsi. As an effort of simulation it was a failure. “Won’t you change your coat, Wop--Wopsy--upstairs?” she suggested. Dempsi kissed her hand. “My beloved--I go. Your word is law! Sir--cousin--Bobbie, forgive me.” Bobbie forced a smile of friendliness. His gentle cousin thought he was ill.