The threat was futile, considering the time of night. The bushes parted and two men appeared. Marion gave one loud scream, but before she could repeat the cry a hand was laid on her lips. Whoever they were, they were not unduly rough. The hand that stayed further clamor was hard, but it was not cruel. "You are not to cry out again," a voice whispered. "I will not injure you if you promise not to call out." Marion indicated that she would comply with this suggestion. Immediately the hand fell from her lips. "This is an outrage," she said. "Who are you?" "That is beside the point," was the reply. "It is an outrage, but we are not going to treat you badly. We are unfortunately compelled to keep you for some four-and-twenty hours from the custody of your friends, but you may rest assured that you will be treated with every consideration." "I am your prisoner, then?" "Since you like to put it in that way, yes." Marion was properly indignant. She pointed out that the course these men were pursuing was a criminal one, and that it was likely to lead them into trouble. But she might have been speaking to the winds. If she could only see these people! She had not the remotest idea what they were like. The man who spoke was evidently a gentleman; his companion seemed like a working man--a sailor by his walk. And yet it was impossible to see the faces of either. "Where are you going to take me?" Marion asked. "We are going to conduct you to one of the caves," was the reply. "Unfortunately no house is available for our purpose, or we should not put you to this inconvenience. But we have made every preparation for your comfort, and you are not likely to suffer for want of food or anything of that kind. And I pledge you my word of honor that you shall not be detained a minute beyond the specified time." He touched Marion on the arm to indicate a forward movement. "I suppose it is of no use to ask your name," Marion said coldly. "I have no objection," said the other. "The time is coming when it will be necessary to speak very plainly indeed. My name is George Abell, and I am secretary to Dr. Sergius Tchigorsky. My friend's name is Elphick. He was at one time a servant in the employ of one of your family." "Tchigorsky?" Marion cried. "But he is dead." "That seems to be the popular impression," Abell said gravely. The words appeared to strike a chill in Marion. She began to comprehend that all her sacrifices had been made in vain. "Tchigorsky not dead?" she said hoarsely. "No," said Abell. "I saw him a little time ago. It will perhaps not surprise you to hear that I am acting under his orders." "But he could not know that I----" "Dr. Tchigorsky seems to divine matters. He seems to know what people will do almost by instinct. He is a wonderful man and does wonderful things. But I cannot tell you any more; I am merely acting under orders."