"Providing always," Lady Deringham said, "that the woman is willing. I do not understand what it all means. Do you know this? Perhaps you do. There have been efforts made by strangers to break into my husband's room. Only a few days ago a stranger came here with a forged letter of introduction, and obtained access to the Admiral's library. He did not come to steal. He came to study my husband's work; he came, in fact, for the very purpose which you avow. Only yesterday my son began to take the same interest in the same thing. The whole of this morning he spent with his father, under the pretence of helping him; really he was studying and examining for himself. He has not told me what it is, but he has a reason for this; he, too, has some suspicions. Now you come, and your mission is the same. What does it all mean? I will write to Mr. C. myself; he will come down and advise me." "I would not do that if I were you," Mr. Sabin said quietly. "Mr. C. would not thank you to be dragged down here on such an idle errand." "Ay, but would it be an idle errand?" she said slowly. "Victor, be frank with me. I should hate to refuse anything you asked me. Tell me what it means. Is my husband's work of any real value, and if so to whom, and for what purpose?" Mr. Sabin was gently distressed. "My dear Lady Deringham," he said, "I have told you the exact truth. I want to get some statistics for my paper. Mr. C. himself recommended me to try and get them from your husband; that is absolutely all. As for this attempted robbery of which you were telling me, believe me when I assure you that I know nothing whatever about it. Your son's interest is, after all, only natural. The study of the papers on which your husband has been engaged is the only reasonable test of his sanity. Frankly, I cannot believe that any one in Lord Deringham's mental state could produce any work likely to be of the slightest permanent value." The Countess sighed. "I suppose that I must believe you, Victor," she said; "yet, notwithstanding all that you say, I do not know how to help you--my husband scarcely ever leaves the room. He works there with a revolver by his side. If he were to find a stranger near his work I believe that he would shoot him without hesitation." "At night time----" "At night time he usually sleeps there in an ante-room, and outside there is a man always watching." Mr. Sabin looked thoughtful. "It is only necessary," he said, "for me to be in the room for about ten minutes, and I do not need to carry anything away; my memory will serve me for all that I require. By some means or other I must have that ten minutes." "You will risk your life," Lady Deringham said, "for I cannot suggest any plan; I would help you if I could, but I am powerless." "I must have that ten minutes," Mr. Sabin said slowly.