'I would stay myself, but the fact is, I am called to London on very urgent business, and shall be unable to return for a day or so. My late pupil, the--ah--the Earl of Buxton, has been--I can rely on your discretion, Mr Burns--has been in trouble with the authorities at Eton, and his guardian, an old college friend of mine--the--in fact, the Duke of Bessborough, who, rightly or wrongly, places--er--considerable reliance on my advice, is anxious to consult me on the matter. I shall return as soon as possible, but you will readily understand that, in the circumstances, my time will not be my own. I must place myself unreservedly at--ah--Bessborough's disposal.' He pressed the bell. 'In the event of your observing any suspicious characters in the neighbourhood, you have the telephone and can instantly communicate with the police. And you will have the assistance of--' The door opened and Smooth Sam Fisher entered. 'You rang, sir?' 'Ah! Come in, White, and close the door. I have something to say to you. I have just been informing Mr Burns that Mr Ford has written asking me to allow his son to stay on at the school for the first few days of the vacation.' He turned to Audrey. 'You will doubtless be surprised, Mrs Sheridan, and possibly--ah--somewhat startled, to learn the peculiar nature of White's position at Sanstead House. You have no objection to my informing Mrs Sheridan, White, in consideration of the fact that you will be working together in this matter? Just so. White is a detective in the employment of Pinkerton's Agency. Mr Ford'--a slight frown appeared on his lofty brow--'Mr Ford obtained his present situation for him in order that he might protect his son in the event of--ah--in fact, any attempt to remove him.' I saw Audrey start. A quick flush came into her face. She uttered a little exclamation of astonishment. 'Just so,' said Mr Abney, by way of comment on this. 'You are naturally surprised. The whole arrangement is excessively unusual, and, I may say--ah--disturbing. However, you have your duty to fulfil to your employer, White, and you will, of course, remain here with the boy.' 'Yes, sir.' I found myself looking into a bright brown eye that gleamed with genial triumph. The other was closed. In the exuberance of the moment, Smooth Sam had had the bad taste to wink at me. 'You will have Mr Burns to help you, White. He has kindly consented to postpone his departure during the short period in which I shall be compelled to be absent.' I had no recollection of having given any kind consent, but I was very willing to have it assumed, and I was glad to see that Mr Fisher, though Mr Abney did not observe it, was visibly taken aback by this piece of information. But he made one of his swift recoveries.