"Then listen," said Barraclough, steadying his aim along the ash rail of the luggage rack, "and keep your hands in your lap. I'm going to carry my scheme through even if I have to shoot you and lots like you. My patience has run out--understand? I've been fooled and badgered and headed off and shot at for as long as I can stand. The boot's on the other leg now and whoever tries to stop me or follow me or get in my way will find all the trouble he's looking for." "Yes, but it seems to me," said the big man plaintively, "that it's you who's looking for trouble. Been a nice thing if that bag had caught me on the lid. There were two fifty pound bells inside and a coil of wire for my trapeze act." "Your what?" said Barraclough. "Trapeze act. Done in my tour nicely, that would." Barraclough's eyes narrowed and he looked at the man closely. "Who are you?" he demanded. "What's your name?" "My real name's John Lever," he replied, "but I'm better known to the music hall public as Madrooba, the Muscular Muscovite." "Madrooba--the chap who lets eight men stand on his chest?" "That's me." "Then what in blazes were you following me for?" "Following you?" repeated Mr. Madrooba. "Never set eyes on you before. Run after the train 'cause I got a contract to appear in Paris tonight." Barraclough lowered the point of his pistol slowly. "And you've never heard of Van Diest?" "Never! Van Biene I know and Van Hoven, but----" "Then it looks to me," said Barraclough regretfully. "It looks to me as if I've made a pretty substantial fool of myself. If you're big enough to accept an apology, Mr. Madrooba, I'd be glad to come off this perch and offer it." "I reckon if I can stand eight men on my chest," came the reply, "I don't need to take a lot of notice of this little misunderstanding. Let yourself drop and I'll catch you." And from sheer relief Barraclough began to laugh--and laughed solidly for ten miles of the journey. CHAPTER 11. OUTLINING A PROGRAMME. Richard Frencham Altar was exceedingly affable in the car. It was a big, comfortable, Rolls saloon, and he sat between Van Diest and the American. Laurence occupied the seat next to the driver. He had tried to say a few words to Auriole before taking his place in the car but she had merely shrugged her shoulders and entered a waiting taxi. The two vehicles drove in opposite directions, from which it would appear that her task in the affair was accomplished. "I hope I shall see some more of that young lady," he remarked. Van Diest nodded gloomily and Hipps jerked out: "Probably will." After that they drove in silence. "Forgive me for criticising your methods," said Richard at last, "but shouldn't I be blindfolded or something? I'm familiar with all these roads and could walk back without even asking the way." "There might be difficulties."