I pulled out my note-book, and inscribed the unintelligible formula: 1-4-2-4-8. The resolution of the problem naturally intrigued me, and the obvious first line of approach was the application of the old Russian "knock" system in which each letter is identified with its numerical position in the alphabetical sequence. I explained the theory to Betty, and she was all eagerness for me to try it out. It took but a moment or two to replace the numbers by their corresponding letters; for example, the figure 1 stands for A, the first letter of the alphabet, and the figure 4 represents the fourth letter or D. The complete series read: A-D-B-D-H. "Not even a vowel to juggle with," I said ruefully. "Blinder than ever, I should say." "But it does mean something," returned Betty stoutly. "And some day we shall know." Chapter X _I Receive an Ultimatum_ Fielding Thaneford was buried three days later in S. Saviour's churchyard. As relatives, even in remote degree, we were bound to attend the services, and also to be present at the interment. For Betty it was an ordeal, the reopening of a half-closed wound, and I could feel her hand tremble as it lay in the crook of my arm, the grave yawning at our feet. In my capacity as Hildebrand of the "Hundred" I was already her official protector, and I was looking forward to the establishment of a relationship infinitely nearer and dearer. Even now I think she sensed what was in my mind and heart; but, after all these emotional upheavals, there must be a decent interval for a new adjustment to the facts of life--compensation, as the mathematical formula has it. The mutual understanding had already been established, and the flower of our future happiness would be all the lovelier for that we did not seek to force its bourgeoning. As the funeral party withdrew from the burial enclosure, John Thaneford presented himself. "I shall be going away Saturday," he began, fixing his eyes exclusively on Betty's face. "Do you mean for a visit?" she inquired. "I don't quite know," he evaded. "But I dare say the 'Court' will be shut up indefinitely." "I am sorry for that." "Are you going to be at home within an hour or so? There is something I have to say to you. Now then, I won't be put off by made-up excuses," he added, seeing that Betty hesitated. "Come any time after five," she answered. He stood aside, and we passed on. After luncheon I went down to the lower reach of the Whippany where we were preparing to install a small electric power and storage plant. Presently, I saw a familiar figure walking over from the house--Chalmers Warriner. "Just got back from New York last night," he explained, "and thought I'd run over and see you all. So the old man died?"