Suddenly Dorothy released her mother's arm and, running across the road, planted herself directly in John Dene's path. "Mr. Dene!" she cried, when he was within a yard or two of her. Several passers-by turned their heads. For a fraction of a moment John Dene gazed at the apparition in front of him, not recognising Dorothy in the white frock and large hat that shaded her eyes. Then with what was to him a super-smile, he held out his hand. "Say, this is bully," he cried, giving Dorothy a grip that caused her to wince. "I've just been to your apartment-house and found you out." Then catching sight of Mrs. West, "Why, there's your mother," he cried and, gripping Dorothy's arm with an enthusiasm that she was convinced would leave bruises, he guided her across the road. A moment later Mrs. West was having the greatest difficulty in preserving a straight face under John Dene's vigorous greeting. "I've been chasing all over Robin Hood's barn to find you," he cried, still clasping Mrs. West's hand. "And according to the papers other people have been doing the same with you," said Dorothy, deciding in her own mind that John Dene ought to spend the rest of his life in uniform. It gave him a distinction that hitherto he had lacked in the ill-cut and ill-made clothes he habitually wore. "I found these waiting for me at my hotel," he said, looking down at himself, as if divining her thoughts. "I ordered them way back," he added. "You look very nice, Mr. Dene," said Mrs. West, smiling happily. She had not yet recovered from her surprise. "All the girls are turning and envying mother and me," said Dorothy mischievously. "Envying you?" John Dene turned upon her a look of interrogation. "For being with you," she explained. For some reason John Dene's face fell. Mrs. West hastened to the rescue. "We've all been so anxious about you," she smiled. "We--we thought----" "And shall I get twenty thousand pounds if I give you up to a policeman?" asked Dorothy. She felt she wanted to cry from sheer happiness. "Reward's withdrawn. Haven't you seen the papers?" he said practically; "but they nearly did for Jim," he added inconsequently. "Jim!" repeated Dorothy. "Who is Jim?" "My brother," was the reply. "He took my place and I went north." "Oooooooh!" Gradually light was dawning upon Dorothy. "Then it wasn't you who forgot where the stamps were kept and," she added wickedly, "seemed to disapprove of me so." "Disapprove of _you_!" John Dene managed to precipitate such a wealth of meaning into the words that Dorothy felt herself blushing furiously. Even Mrs. West appeared a little embarrassed at his directness. "Here, it's about time we had some food," he said, turning his wrist to see the time. "We were just going home to dinner," said Mrs. West. "Won't you come with us?" "I want you to come right along to my hotel. I've booked a table for you." "That's not very complimentary to our attractiveness, Mr. Dene," said Dorothy.