Nugent Cassis, as the specialist of detail, briefly outlined their requirements. He spoke coldly and without emphasis. The programme was simple. Mr. Tidd would assume the name of Barraclough, he would occupy these chambers, or wherever else circumstance might happen to take him, for a period of three weeks. At the end of that time he might reveal his identity or not as he pleased. It was understood, was it not, that he would refuse to answer any questions that might be put to him. This was a point of considerable importance since there was a likelihood that pressure might be employed to induce him to speak. "I'm pretty close when I mean to be," said Richard. "But what is the answer?" "As to that," Cassis replied, "I must ask you to contain your curiosity." "Well, it shouldn't be hard to say I don't know." Cassis hoped so devoutly. "To tell the truth," said Mr. Torrington very sweetly, "we don't know the answer ourselves." Richard shot a doubtful glance at him, but the seamed old face betrayed nothing of the purpose it concealed. "It's all very mysterious," said Richard, "and I'm not sure I like the look of it." "If you are nervous----" began Cassis icily. "Nervous be damned," he retorted. "I'm not easily scared, but I'd like you to know this. I may have slipped down the ladder a bit, gentlemen, but I'm not altogether an outsider." Lord Almont and Mr. Torrington made a duet with "My dear fellar!" and "We have already realised that, Mr. Tidd." "So, if there's anything shady in the transaction?" "Nothing." Richard fixed on Cranbourne. "Political?" "No." "You've stirred my curiosity, gentlemen." Mr. Torrington leant forward and laid a hand on his arm, "To this extent we can satisfy it," he said. "We three are engaged upon an operation of considerable magnitude." "I guessed that much, sir. When three men like yourselves forgather one can generally look for balloons in the sky." "Just so. A gentleman in whom we are interested requires latitude to conduct certain important activities with freedom from observation. To provide latitude it is necessary we should persuade our opponents that the gentleman is peaceably residing at his own home." "Half a minute. You want to get Barraclough out of the country or somewhere and I'm to fill his place." Mr. Torrington nodded. "Am I like Barraclough?" "Remarkably so." Suddenly Richard sprang to his feet and brought his hands together. "Tell me," he cried. "These opponents--have they made a blockade--to prevent him getting away." "A most effectual blockade." Richard threw up his head and laughed. "Lord, so that was it. They tried to stop me at Earl's Court Station day before yesterday. Oh, this is great, gentlemen. Come on, I'm your man." "You consent?" "I consent all right." The three men exchanged glances of satisfaction. "Then if you will kindly ring the bell," said Cassis, "your servant, Doran, will correct the details of your wardrobe."