"Good-bye, then," said Rosmore. "You will be wise to keep within doors until you leave Dorchester for good. There are many who know Gilbert Crosby, and once in the hands of Jeffreys you would have short shrift." "Thank you. I shall take care. I believe you have proved a friend, Lord Rosmore," and Crosby held out his hand. For a moment Rosmore hesitated. "No; we will not shake hands," he said. "If I have found consolation, I cannot forget who you are and that you have robbed me of Mistress Lanison. To clasp your hand would mean to wish you good luck, and I cannot do that. I want her to know that she has chosen badly. You and I could never be friends, Mr. Crosby." "As you will; yet I would repay your kindness if ever the opportunity should offer." Rosmore shrugged his shoulders as he crossed the room and Crosby went out, Sayers joining him in the passage and seeing that no one hindered his going. For a few minutes Rosmore remained in deep thought, and then Harriet Payne came in. "You look strangely ill-tempered," was her greeting. "My face must be a poor index to my thoughts," he answered, with quick yet forced gaiety. "I have just finished a good work." "What is that?" "Making two people happy. Come and kiss me, and I'll tell you all about it." Yet all her kisses and arts of pleasing could not keep the thoughtfulness out of his face as he told her how Barbara Lanison and Gilbert Crosby were to leave Dorchester together. CHAPTER XXV THE TRIPLE ALLIANCE There was little danger of anyone recognising Gilbert Crosby as he passed through the streets of the town. A swinging lantern might illumine his face for a moment, or the beam of light from some unshuttered window might have betrayed him to some watching enemy, but everyone in the houses and in the streets had enough to think about to-night. Judge Jeffreys had come to Dorchester. To-morrow his ferocious voice would be dooming dozens to death in that court with the scarlet hangings. The Bloody Assizes would have commenced in earnest, and there were few families in Dorchester which had not one relative or friend waiting in the prisons to be tried for rebellion. There was already mourning in the city, and the soldiers were in readiness lest desperation should drive to riot. Crosby might have gone with less care than he did and yet passed unnoticed. In the upper room at "The Anchor" he found Fellowes, who sprang up at his entrance. "Gad! I had lost all hope," he exclaimed. "I have been searching the town for you. I thought Rosmore must have caught you." "He did. A miracle has happened. Where is Fairley?" "I have not seen him since we parted the other night," Fellowes answered. "I have picked up some information, but have had no one to tell it to." "And I have seen Mistress Lanison." "Seen her!"