I left the carriage out of sight and as I turned the corner leisurely I felt a little thrill of satisfaction to see that he was there before me. I had worked out my chess problem successfully and saw my way to mate in less than his seven moves. He was walking slowly with his back toward me, and I quickened up my pace so that I was close to him when he heard my footsteps, turned and saw me. CHAPTER XVIII DAGARA’S STORY I was a great deal more pleased to see Dagara than he was to see me, judging by the way in which he took my hand and the little nervous shrinking movement as I linked my arm in his and turned back with him toward the carriage. “I am afraid I am a little late, but I have made all the haste I could,” I said with a smile of apology which perplexed him considerably. “You have an appointment then? I myself am--am waiting for a friend.” “My appointment is with you, of course. There is a change in the plans and I have come to fetch you. I have a carriage here for the purpose. I was delighted to come. I want to ask your opinion about something.” “I’m afraid I don’t quite understand, Mr. Donnington.” “The fact is I want to talk chess with you--about M. Polski’s ten problems, and particularly the fifth and sixth.” His face turned to the colour of the paving stones he was staring at so intently, and his voice was as husky as if half the dust of the city had got into his throat when he muttered: “What do you mean?” “Here’s my carriage. Jump in, and we’ll chat it over as we drive.” I had already told the driver where to go. Dagara had no jump left in him, poor fellow, and tried to refuse to get in at all. But with my help he stumbled in and sat staring helplessly at me, as I talked a lot of nonsense about chess--to give him time to pull himself together. “Where are you taking me, Mr. Donnington?” he asked when I had chattered myself almost out of breath. “He is driving us down to a landing-stage and I’m going to give you some lunch on my yacht. I have had a desire for a chat with you for several days.” “I am much obliged to you, Mr. Donnington, but I cannot go now.” “Oh, nonsense. I’ll make excuses to M. Volheno.” “But I will not go. I won’t be forced in this way,” he cried, striving hard to rally his courage. “Of course I won’t force you. I’ll stop the carriage.” I leant forward as if to call to the driver, and then turned with a meaning look. “By the way, did you find that missing letter the other day?” “I don’t know what you mean. I demand to get out.” “I know why it was missing, M. Dagara. Would you rather lunch with me or shall we return together to M. Volheno? Decide quickly, please. It must be one or the other.” He drew a sobbing breath of fright; and all thought of resistance was abandoned.