A few press-men who had come down from London for the purpose, with certain directors and their wives, were shown over the docks; the new trains were admired and particularly two brand new trucks, the peculiar character of which was exhibited by Sir Ralph to a select few of his fellow directors. A safe on wheels was an excellent description for one of these. Specially strengthened under-carriages, each truck supported by two bogies, they were designed to carry a tremendous weight. “I am sure Lord Flanborough doesn’t mind my telling you,” said Sir Ralph to the little party, “that this will carry twenty tons of bar gold to-night.” “What will be the value of that?” asked one of the interested audience. “£2,867,200,” said Sir Ralph impressively; “representing six months’ output of the whole of Lord Flanborough’s gold properties.” The directors made appropriate noises to signify their astonishment. There were visitors to Seahampton interested in this great transportation, who were not invited to participate in the function. One of these, a dark foreign looking man, went no nearer to the docks than a little public house in the ancient High Street. He was visited by a man who was pallid of face and laconic of speech. “It’s all up!” he said under his breath. “What is wrong?” said the other in the same tone. “It is quite impossible to get the driver or the fireman. They are two old servants of the company, both have money saved and would no more think of accepting a bribe than Flanborough himself.” “You didn’t press the matter, I hope?” asked the other quickly. The pallid man shook his head. “I went as far as I dared with the driver,” he said. “I found out he had a son in the army in India and I told him that I had met the boy and got quite friendly with the old chap--but he is a sea-green incorruptible, Gregori.” “I will get on the ’phone to Kate,” said the other. “I suppose we shall have to hold up the train somewhere--I don’t want to do any shooting if it can be avoided. Are the drivers armed?” “It is funny you should ask that,” said the pallid man, sipping his beer. “The old man is armed for the first time in his life. He was full of it and quite proud of his ability to loose off a gun.” Gregori looked very serious. “Kate must be prepared with the alternative scheme,” he said. “Anyway, you will join me here with Cunningham at eight o’clock. I am perfectly prepared for almost all contingencies. Millet has given me a dozen authorities to meet almost any developments. Did you see the train?” “I couldn’t get near it,” said the other. “I left just before Sapson brought his party to make their inspection.” Sir Ralph had carried his guests from the siding to the engine shed and shown them the brand new Atlantic locomotive which was to draw the train to London. “They don’t seem to have finished it yet,” said one of the guests, and pointed to a workman busily drilling a hole in the front plate. Ralph laughed.