"Certain. I have been drugged and it will be some time before I am able to get about. That is why I am anxious to have the box. Young Ravenspur would never have got away had he had no friends to assist him or a simple fool to give him warning." "The fool you speak of does not regret it." "Perhaps not. How did he escape?" "In the simplest possible way. He was picked up by a passing yacht." "Well, accidents will happen," the woman muttered. "Now do my bidding. The heavy drugged sleep is coming upon me again, and I shall not be able to keep my eyes open much longer. Go at once." As Marion crept away Ralph could catch her heavy indrawn breath and the sobs that seemed to burst from her overcharged heart. Then he knew that the woman was asleep again. A minute or two later and he was standing in the hall. He waited in shadow, silent and patient. The stairs creaked slightly and a stealthy footstep came creeping down. CHAPTER L A KIND UNCLE Ralph crept toward the door. Marion came close to him, her hands fumbling nervously with the bolts and bars. Some of the bars were heavy, and Marion was fearful lest they should fall with a clang and betray her. Ralph stretched out his hand and drew back a bolt. "Allow me to assist you," he said. "I am used to this kind of work." A scream rose to Marion's lips, but she suppressed it. The effort set her trembling from head to foot. Yet it seemed to her that there was no cause to be frightened, for she had never heard Ralph's voice so kind before. "Uncle," she stammered, "what are you doing here?" By way of reply Ralph opened the door. He gave the sign for Marion to precede him, and then followed her out into the night. The heavy door closed behind him. "I might with equal justice ask you the same question," he said. "Nay, more; because you are merely a young girl and I am a man. And you know I don't sleep like most virtuous people. I suffer from insomnia and never sleep for long anywhere. Perhaps I am like the cat who prowls about all night and slumbers in the daytime. But where are you going?" "Uncle Ralph, I cannot tell you. It is a secret. If you knew everything you would pity me." There was a deepening ring in Marion's voice. Ralph caressed her hand tenderly. "Don't trouble," he said. "I know." "You know where I am going. You--you know!" "Certainly I do. I know everything, my dear." "Not everything, uncle. Not of my connection with that woman, for instance." "Indeed I do, Marion." "You are aware of our relationship! You know that!" "My dear child, I have known it for years. But your secret is safe with me. I am not going to betray you. Could I have the heart to do so after all you have done for my family? Angel Marion." He repeated the last words over and over again in a low, caressing voice, pressing the girl's hand softly as he did so. Even then Marion was not sure whether he was in earnest or whether he was grimly ironical. "I never thought of this," Marion murmured.