“It would be more risky to guard it,” said the other calmly, “our only chance lies in not rousing the suspicion of the contractor who has promised to come down himself to superintend the carriage to the docks. His people won’t be allowed to handle any of it and I have told him especially that it is dangerous to touch the packages--now, Kate, you must be sensible about this business of Pretherston.” She shrugged her shoulders and leant back against the window-sill, her hands behind her. “I suppose it is necessary,” she said in her cool even tone and the Colonel heaved a sigh of relief. “Gad, that’s the way to look at it, my girl,” he said admiringly. “I knew you wouldn’t fail us.” She said nothing. “You said there were ten shares,” she asked presently, “do you count me--as one who is sharing?” “You stand in with me, my dear,” said the Colonel, patting her on the shoulder, “don’t you be afraid. I have never denied you anything, have I?” She shook her head. “I have never been aware that you denied me anything,” she said absently. “When is this--” she could not find words to complete the sentence. “Pretherston,” said Gregori,--“oh, we can’t do anything yet. I think you will agree, Colonel. We must make absolutely sure that he is not being followed and that he has not half the Metropolitan police force within call. I shall do nothing at all till to-morrow night.” She inclined her head. “I see,” she said simply and then, “I think I will go to my room.” They had made her comfortable quarters in what had been once the foreman’s office. She passed through the great sheds slowly and stopped for a moment to look at the powerful engine which stood near the closed doors, a tiny feather of steam at its safety valve, then she went into her room. CHAPTER XVIII. THE COLONEL WAS A GENTLEMAN AT THE LAST It was ten o’clock the following morning before any of the gang saw the girl. She had spent a sleepless night revising her philosophies and arranging the future as she saw it. Mulberry who had put away his rifle and was appearing in the capacity of an urbane general-manager greeted Kate with a nod. He was superintending the transference of the ingots to the waiting trolleys which stood on the road at the top of the chalk pit and were approached by a zig-zag path which had been cut in the face of the bluff by the original owner of the property. Later Mr. Mulberry climbed up the path to interview the stout contractor. “I will pay you in advance,” said Mr. Mulberry beaming benevolently and producing a wad of notes from his pocket book. “You have full instructions as to where these packages are to go?” “Yes, sir,” said the man. “To the Thames Docks and I am to hand them over to the gentleman who engaged me the day before yesterday.” “Mr. Stockmar,” said Mulberry. “That is the name, sir. Are these things valuable?” Mulberry shook his head.