“I’ll see what all these men are going to do,” said Miss Blow, “before I give an opinion about them. I’ve been----” “Here’s Mr. Goddard himself,” said Jimmy O’Loughlin, who was standing near the window, “and his lordship along with him. And they have the big waggonette from the Castle and the dog-cart with the yellow cob in it. Be damn, but it’s great!” Miss Farquharson stood up and looked out of the window. Miss Blow, obstinately sceptical, continued to eat her breakfast. Mr. Goddard and Lord Manton entered the room. “Ladies,” said Mr. Goddard. “In a quarter of an hour we start for Rosivera.” “At the head of a small army,” said Lord Manton. “Twelve men armed with carbines, not counting Mr. Goddard, who wears a sword.” “Fifteen men,” said Mr. Goddard. “I’m expecting three more. They may arrive at any minute.” “I suppose,” said Miss Blow, “that this is some new kind of trick.” “Come and see,” said Mr. Goddard. “Lord Manton has placed his waggonette at your disposal. We invite your presence. We insist upon it.” “My niece and Mrs. Dick,” said Miss Farquharson, “are still in their bedrooms.” “Get them out,” said Lord Manton, “as quickly as possible. There is no time to be lost. Military expeditions of this sort cannot possibly be delayed.” “If so be,” said Jimmy O’Loughlin, “that you’ll be wanting me, as a magistrate, to be taking depositions or the like----” “We don’t absolutely require you,” said Lord Manton; “but we’ll be glad to have you with us.” “It’ll be better, then,” said Jimmy, “if I go upstairs and put on a decent coat and shave myself. Bridgy, will you run like a good girl and get me a cup of hot water?” “You may change your coat,” said Mr. Goddard, “but you can’t shave. There isn’t time.” Miss Blow and Miss Farquharson left the room together. “Would you have any objection to telling me,” said Jimmy O’Loughlin, “what is it that you’re thinking of doing?” “It’s Lord Manton’s plan,” said Mr. Goddard, “not mine. The fact is, we’re going to Rosivera to marry Mr. Red either to Miss Blow or Miss Farquharson.” “And is that the reason you have the police gathered from the four corners of the county?” “It is,” said Mr. Goddard. “I wouldn’t wonder but you’re right. It’s ten to one he won’t care for the notion; not but what Miss Blow is a fine-looking young lady, and that’s what I’ve always said since the first time ever I set eyes on her.”