"While you, Bangs," pursued Tony, leaning against the mantelpiece, "have been living the lotus life and acting slugabed, I have been working hard. Ever since I got a hint that Brown was in touch with The Quiet House I have been following him like the proverbial sleuth hound. I have discovered--at the expense of torn trousers and soaking feet--that he keeps tryst nightly with that charming bit of womanhood I spoke to once--and only once, alas! He has a private entry over the wall, having driven some large nails into the outer side, well off the beaten track. Up there the gay Lothario climbs--drops into the garden--meets his divinity, and _voila tout_!" "What happens?" asked Robert eagerly. "The usual thing, Bangs. Exchange of kisses and confidences--which I, alas! can hear but imperfectly." "But you don't listen!" exclaimed Robert, scandalized. Tony sighed. "I have to steel myself. In high politics, you know ... but, of course, I shall never tell." "Oh!" The disappointment was obvious, and Tony laughed. "No, old fellow, love's young dream and so forth must be respected. Honestly, I've only watched, hoping to get a clew--perhaps some conversation with the girl when Brown goes home. No good! No earthly good! Brown sees her safe to the house and then comes back. He stands on a convenient garden roller and climbs. Then he drops, and off home. Ditto me, disgusted, envious, lacking information. To-night I mean to move." "Yes!" "We'll lie in wait, Bangs, and have a word with them. A coil of rope and a sack--those shall be our only tools. While Brown is talking we'll try to slip the sack over his head and tie him up. I don't think the lady will scream, for it seems to me that there's a kind of counterplot afoot--either against Billy, the Turkish government, or Miss Arkwright. (I still feel sure she is not Miss Arkwright, but a maid of sorts.) Now, if I'm right in my conjectures she won't be keen on advertising Brown's presence to her mistress. If I'm wrong and she _does_ scream and help comes, we must bolt to the wall and clear out at once. If we succeed, we'll have a talk with her and try to find out something. I'm tired of waiting in the dark. Now, are you game to help?" Robert wagged his head nervously. "Of course, Mr. Wild, I'm as ready for adventure as I ever was. But--but this is a serious business. It--it might mean prison!" "It might," agreed Tony; "but I don't think it need if we're smart. Anyhow, we must be prepared to risk a little for a great adventure. If we're cute about the sack business I think I can manage the roping part all right. You would have to hold the lady." "B-but----" "She's awfully pretty ..." "That is no inducement, Mr. Wild. You forget----" "Come, Bangs, none of your 'perversions!' I don't forget anything. How many chaps half your age would jump at the chance of capturing a beautiful anarchist!"