"The deuce you did----" "To Shepworth. That is, I fancied that Jadby could manage the business, and I offered--through Madame Marie here--a sum of money if the marriage could be brought about." "Oh, indeed. And did Madame Marie tell you----" "I told him nothing," interrupted the woman in her deep voice. "I never intended to, without your permission, as I said that I was your friend. Your wire came while Mr. Rover and myself were talking--that is, your messenger came--so I brought Mr. Rover down with me." "And I came to help to find Miss Chent," said Rover hurriedly. "I want her to be found and married to Shepworth. Any money I can offer to help in the search----" "I have ample money to deal with the matter," said Prelice, pleased to find that the fortune-teller had respected his confidence about the new engagement. "But I don't see why you need have applied to Jadby to bring about this marriage." "Because I know that Jadby loves Miss Chent and wants to marry her, Lord Prelice. As you know, that would not remove Shepworth beyond my wife's reach. I wished to bribe Jadby into letting Shepworth marry Miss Chent as was arranged. Then my wife----" "All right, all right," cried Lord Prelice irritably; "don't worry your head, Rover. I'll see to this. And you had better clear off, back to London. Jadby is a rough customer, and if we get involved in a row it will be bad for your heart." "My dear Lord Prelice!" "Yes. Anyone can see--oh, pooh! don't worry me." "My heart is weak," said Rover with dignity, "and my wife's behaviour is not likely to make it strong. Nevertheless, I shall wait and help in the search for Miss Chent, and bribe Jadby as I said. He must not marry this young lady." "He won't," Madame assured him coolly; "he shall marry me." Prelice turned to the fortune-teller. "Will you go into a trance and see where Mona is?" "I have already been in a trance before leaving Bond Street." "Then you know----" Madame looked at him unflinchingly. "I could see nothing but clouds, and clouds, and clouds," she responded. "Only one thing I am certain of, and that is that Miss Chent is hidden somewhere amongst these Downs." Prelice shrugged his shoulders. "Much good that information does. I quite believe it; but where?" "I can't say. But," added Madame Marie with animation, "I can tell you that the steamer which Felix owns is coming round to Folkstone Harbour this afternoon. Felix asked me two days ago to tell his captain to take the boat round. I didn't know why he wished that. I can understand now." "So can I," rejoined Lord Prelice quickly. "Jadby intends to take Miss Chent to the steamer at nightfall, and do a bunk." "Yes," replied the fortune-teller, breathing hard; "leaving me in the lurch. But he sha'n't--he sha'n't. I'll kill him first."