"They struck me as rather a suspicious lot, sir," the man said. "After I had taken them in their drinks they closed the door, and seemed to hold some sort of a consultation. While this was going on, two men drove up in another car, and asked if a Mr. Winton was here. I told him he was--for the bald-headed gentleman had given the name of Douglas Winton. They were at once welcomed, and admitted to the conference." "Rather curious--to hold a conference in such a manner and at such an hour!" I remarked. "Yes, sir. It was a secret meeting, evidently. They all spoke in another language. The two men who last arrived were no doubt foreigners." "Was one of them stout and wore gold-rimmed glasses?" I inquired quickly. CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR AN UNFORTUNATE SLIP "No, sir," the boots replied, "both were youngish men, with dark moustaches. They wore heavy coats, and were in an open car. They came from York way, and had evidently driven some distance." "You saw nothing of what went on at their mysterious meeting?" "Well, sir, the fact is, when I had had my suspicions aroused, I crept out into the yard, and found that I could see into the lounge through the chink between the blind and the window. They were all seated round the table, the head of which had been taken by the gentleman who had arrived from London with the lady. He seemed to be chairman, and he talked in a low, deliberate, and very earnest tone, being listened to with greatest interest. He evidently related something which amazed them. Then a map, or plan, was placed upon the table, and each examined it in turn. Afterwards two photographs were produced by Mr. Winton and handed around the assembly. Each man looked long and steadily at the pictures--both were of women. The young lady present refused to take any part in the discussion, and I noticed that she passed on the photographs without comment--without even glancing at them." "Did she appear to be present there against her will?" I asked breathlessly. "No, not exactly. She seemed very friendly with all the gentlemen. The two foreigners were strangers to her--for she was introduced to them." "By name?" "Yes, sir. Miss Sonia Poland." I bit my lip. Had she already dropped my name, and was now passing under an alias? "Sonia Poland!" I echoed. "Was it for the purpose of concealing her identity from the foreigners, do you think?" I asked. "No, sir. Because Winton and his companion addressed her as Sonia Poland when she arrived." "And you believed it to be her real name?" "I suppose it is, sir," was the man's reply, for I fear my manner somewhat mystified him. "Well, and what further did you see at this early morning consultation?" I asked, mindful that his curiosity had no doubt been aroused by sight of something sparkling in the strange visitor's hand.