"Have you a cigarette, Pen?" she asked. "I've had the very devil of a time." CHAPTER XX "Allow me, madam." Larry Hughes stood beside them, a gold cigarette case open in his hand. He had entered so silently that neither of them had heard him. Mrs. Gertstein delicately selected a cigarette, and he offered the case to Penelope who shook her head. He showed his white teeth in a smile. "We three should have no secrets from each other," he said blandly. "We are now allies in a common cause--our own safety. The harsh and brutal methods of your friend Mr. Labar, Miss Noelson, have resulted in my offering harbourage to this lady here. I am sure that you will be as delighted as I am to have her company on our travels." "Travels?" "Where are----" Both women spoke simultaneously. He held up a slim white hand. "Don't be alarmed. We are safe enough for the moment. I doubt if Scotland Yard knows where we are within fifty miles. But I have enough respect for them to suppose that they will some time or other find out. In plain words they are likely to make the place too hot for me--for us. So we shall leave this place within the next day or two, as soon as I am able to make arrangements. "I must let Solly know that I am safe," said Mrs. Gertstein. His smile contorted into a contemptuous sneer. "Your amiable and anxious husband has no doubt had a story told him by Labar by this time," he said. "He will be under no great concern as to your safety. He will believe that you have eloped with me." Adèle Gertstein started to her feet and her eyebrows drew together. "You beast," she said. He waved his hand impatiently. "My dear girl," he said, "I have always been tempted to admire your beauty rather than your brains. I am stating a fact. You elected to come away with me. What can your estimable Gertstein think?" "I don't care what he thinks. I shall write to him this minute," she retorted. "If I didn't know you so well, I might think that you were in love with your husband," he declared. "Upon my soul I am beginning to be sorry I cluttered myself up with you." He menaced her fiercely with a forefinger. "How long do you think it would be after you had written to him, before Labar would have you in the dock? What is it that the police want you for? Attempted murder! Forgery! Do you think that the detectives will not be watching to get a line on you? You poor fool! From now on you will not lift a finger without my permission, or I will throw you to the police." He banged his fist fiercely on to a table and glared at her. "Do you get that? Ten, perhaps fifteen years in Aylesbury. That's what is waiting for you if you start any funny business."