"We only landed at Southampton early this morning," explained Tony penitently; "and I couldn't spoil things by telegraphing." At this point Ellen, who had been standing contemplating the scene with the frankest curiosity, suddenly woke up to a realization of her professional lapse. With a reluctant sigh she withdrew noiselessly from the room, closing the door behind her, and dashed off downstairs to communicate the exciting tidings to her fellow-servants. With their arms round Lady Jocelyn, Tony and Isabel conducted her gently to the sofa, and seated themselves one on each side of her. Guy took his place in an armchair facing them. "You must forgive me, Guy," said Lady Jocelyn. "I am so happy and excited I haven't even said how do you do, and I'm sure it's all through you that I have got my mad children back alive and well." "Of course it is," exclaimed Tony. "If Guy hadn't waded in and slaughtered half the Livadian police force on the beach, we shouldn't have had a dog's chance of getting clear. Isn't that so, Isabel?" Isabel nodded. "He was very brave," she said gratefully. "I shall never forget how fierce and splendid he looked." Poor Guy's face turned a vivid crimson. "I wish I had seen him," remarked Lady Jocelyn, with considerable regret in her voice; "but it seems to me we are beginning at the wrong end." She stooped forward and picked up the _Daily Mail_, which had fallen to the floor. "Look at that," she added, pointing to the headlines, "and for pity's sake tell me what it all means." "I've seen it," said Tony. "It means that even Lord Northcliffe may be deceived at times." He paused. "I didn't tell you quite everything before we started, Aunt Fanny. I had some silly idea it might worry you." "Never mind," said Lady Jocelyn generously. "If you will make up for it now, I think I might manage to forgive you." She took Isabel's slim hand in hers and leaned back against the sofa. "I'll try," said Tony gravely; "but Guy and Isabel will have to help. It's the sort of story that requires at least three strong people, if one wants to tell it properly." The incompleteness of his previous confidences had of course lain in the fact that hitherto he had omitted all mention of the leading rôle played by Molly during the latter stages of the proceedings. Going back now to the point at which she had first told him of her secret marriage to Pedro, he described in full detail how the main idea of a possible rescue had originated with her, and the daring and skilful manner in which she had thrown herself into the scheme. He gave a rapid account of their run down through the night to Southampton, and of how--thanks to McEwen--they had managed to reach Portriga in a time for which the nominal horse-power of the _Betty's_ engines failed to convey any adequate explanation.