But as I did so, I heard a movement behind me, and, on turning, to my breathless horror saw, standing before me, the pretty, fair-haired young woman whom I had robbed! "Well, Mr. Cottingham--or whatever your name is," she exclaimed in a hard, altered voice as, closing the door behind her, she advanced to me with a fierce light in her eyes. "And what are you doing here, pray?" Then, glancing at the table and noticing her jewel-case missing, she added: "I see! You have scraped acquaintance with me in order to steal my jewels. You have them in that case in your hand!" I stammered something. What it was I have no recollection. I only know that my words infuriated her, and she dashed out into the corridor to raise the alarm, leaving me in possession of the trick bag with the jewel-case inside. I dashed after her, seizing her roughly by the waist as she ran down the corridor. "Listen!" I whispered fiercely into her ear. "Listen one moment. You surely won't give me away? Listen to what I have to tell you. Do--I--implore you," I said. "I am no thief! I will tell you everything--and ask your advice. No harm has been done. Your pearls are here." "Yes," she said, turning back upon me. "But you--the man I liked and trusted--are a common thief!" "I admit it," I said hoarsely as I dragged her back to her room, her dress being torn in the struggle. "I have been forced against my will into robbing you, as I will explain." Back in her bedroom she assumed a very serious attitude. She invited me to sit down, after I had handed back her jewel-case, and then, also seating herself in an arm-chair, she said in determination: "Now look here, George Hargreave ... you see, I know your real name. I know your game. By a word I can have you arrested, while, on the other hand, my silence would give you your liberty." "You will remain silent, Lady Lydbrook--I beg of you! I know that I have committed an unpardonable crime for which there is no excuse." I thought of that strange midnight scene I had witnessed and it was on the tip of my tongue to mention it. But would it further infuriate her? So I refrained from alluding to it. Her attitude towards me had completely altered. She was hard-mouthed and indignant, which, after all, was but natural. "My whole future is in your hands," I added. She still hesitated. A word from her and not only would I be arrested, but Rayne would probably be exposed and arrested also. She seemed, I feared, to be aware of the whole organization, hence she was one of the last persons who should have been marked down as a victim. Rayne had evidently committed a fatal error. "Well," she said at last, "I am open to remain silent, and the matter shall never be mentioned between us--but on one condition." "And what is that?" I asked anxiously. "I am in want of someone to help me. Will you do so?" "I will do anything to serve you if you give me my liberty," I said, much ashamed.