It was quite certain that he believed Morse now felt himself secure, and no doubt Midwinter had arranged a plan for his escape from Berkeley Square, when his vengeance was complete, as ingenious and thoroughgoing as that prepared for his literal flight from the City in the Clouds. And now, on this very evening, I was to throw the dice in a desperate game with this human tiger. "It is for to-night certain, sir," said Sliddim when he arrived. "I've let him know that I am leaving the house for a couple of hours this evening, between eight and ten, to see my old mother in Camden Town. At eleven he supposes that the servants are arriving, and at midnight Mr. and Miss Morse. A professional friend of mine is watching our gent very carefully. He is at present staying at a small private hotel in Soho, and I should think you had better come to the house about seven, on foot, and directly you ring I'll let you in. I've promised to meet our friend at the little public house in the mews at eight, for just one drink--he wants to be certain that I am really out of the way--and I should say that he would be inside Birmingham House within a quarter of an hour afterwards." Rolston came in before the fellow went, and a few more details were discussed, which brought the time up to about six o'clock. And then I had a most unpleasant and difficult few minutes. My faithful little lieutenant defied me for the first time since I had known him. "I can't tell what time I shall be back," I said, "but I shall want you to be at the end of the telephone wire--there are plenty of telephones in Birmingham House." "But I am going too, Sir Thomas," he said quickly. I shook my head. "No," I said, "I must go through this alone." "But it's impossible! You must have some one to help you, Sir Thomas! It is madness to meet that devil alone in an empty house. It's absolutely unnecessary, too. I _must_ go with you. I owe him one for the blow he gave me when he escaped from the Safety-room at the City, and, besides--" "Bill Rolston," I said, "the essence of fidelity is to obey orders. I owe more to you than I can possibly say! Without you, I dread to think what might have happened to Miss Morse and her father. But on this occasion I am adamant. You will be far more use to me waiting here, ready to carry out any instructions that may come over the wire." "Please, Sir Thomas, if I ever _have_ done anything, as you say, let me come with you to-night." His voice broke in a sob of entreaty, but I steeled myself and refused him. I must say he took it very well when he saw that there was no further chance of moving me. "Very well then, Sir Thomas," he said, "if it must be so, it must be. I will be back here at seven, and wait all night if necessary." With that, his face clouded with gloom, he went away and I was left alone.