There were two men standing in the shadow of a gate on the other side, one of whom scribbled something quickly on a page of a note-book, and gave it to the other, with the words-- "Run--first cab! Don't lose a moment." A quarter of an hour later, just as Dick and his wife were about to leave the dining-room, there was a sharp knock at the door, followed by the trampling of feet in the hall, and Union Jack's voice heard in protestation-- "I tell you he's at dinner, and won't be disturbed. Master always gives strict orders that--" "Tell your master that Mr Maximilian Shingle insists upon seeing him on business." "Does he?" said Dick sharply. And he stood at the door, looking at his brother, and flourishing a dinner napkin about, as his eyes lighted upon his two companions; while a nervous feeling akin to alarm came upon him, for he saw that they were two well-dressed, keen-looking men. "They're mad doctors--both of 'em," thought Dick, "and they're going to listen to what I say, sign certificates, and have me dragged away. They'll have a tough job of it if they do, though," he muttered. "Yes, and there's the carriage just come up that's to take me off," he continued, as there was the noise of wheels stopping at the door. "Don't open that door, John," he cried aloud. But he was too late; for the boy had opened the door on the instant, and before he could shut it, Hopper, closely followed by Tom, entered the hall. "Oh, it's you, is it?" said Dick, nodding, and feeling relieved. "Hey? Yes, it's me," said Hopper quietly. "We thought we'd just drop in." "Well, then, Mr Max Shingle, perhaps you'll be good enough to tell me what you want, disturbing me at my dinner?" said Dick sharply. "Well, the fact is," said Max, smiling maliciously, but rubbing his hands and trying to look smooth the while, "these gentlemen and I--" "Let's see," said Dick coolly; for he felt now that he was well backed up. "But, stop a moment. John, my lad, fetch a policeman." "By all means," said Max eagerly. "Get one, my boy." The lad, who had been staring with open eyes, unfastened the door, to find one close at hand, beating his gloves together, probably attracted by the scent of something going on. "Here's one outside, sir," cried the boy eagerly. "That's right," said Dick. "Here, you Number something, come in. You're to see fair over this, my man." He nodded to Tom and Hopper, who were both singularly silent, and then turned to Max, as the front door was closed; and Mrs Shingle stood half in the dining-room, a wondering spectator of the proceedings. "Now, Mr Max, if you please," said Dick quietly, "proceed. You say these gentlemen--who I know again: they've been watching me, I suppose, to make up a case, ever since that little brotherly quarrel of ours; and now, I suppose, they've found it all out." "You shall hear what they've found out directly," said Max, rubbing his hands.