"I can't help it. You were so funny." "Loraine--you are a little devil." "I'm not. I'm what's called a thoroughly nice girl." "Only to those who don't know you--who are taken in by your delusive appearance of meekness and decorum." "I like your long words." "All out of cross-word puzzles." "So educative." "Loraine dear, don't beat about the bush. Will you or won't you!" Loraine's face sobered. It took on its characteristic appearance of determination. Her small mouth hardened and her little chin shot out aggressively. "No, Jimmy. Not while things are as they are at present--all unfinished." "I know we haven't done what we set out to do," agreed Jimmy. "But all the same--well, it's the end of a chapter. The papers are safe at the Air Ministry. Virtue triumphant. And--for the moment--nothing doing." "So--let's get married?" said Loraine with a slight smile. "You've said it. Precisely the idea." But again Loraine shook her head. "No, Jimmy. Until this thing's rounded up--until we're safe--" "You think we're in danger?" "Don't you?" Jimmy's cherubic pink face clouded over. "You're right," he said at last. "If that extraordinary rigmarole of Bundle's is true--and I suppose, incredible as it sounds, it must be true--then we're not safe till we've settled with--No. 7!" "And the others?" "No--the others don't count. It's No. 7 with his own ways of working that frightens me. Because I don't know who he is or where to look for him." Loraine shivered. "I've been frightened," she said in a low voice. "Ever since Gerry's death...." "You needn't be frightened. There's nothing for you to be frightened about. You leave everything to me. I tell you, Loraine--_I'll get No. 7 yet_. Once we get him--well, I don't think there'll be much trouble with the rest of the gang, whoever they are." "_If_ you get him--and suppose he gets you?" "Impossible," said Jimmy cheerfully. "I'm much too clever. Always have a good opinion of yourself--that's my motto." "When I think of the things that might have happened last night--" Loraine shivered. "Well, they didn't," said Jimmy. "We're both here, safe and sound--though I must admit my arm is confoundedly painful." "Poor boy." "Oh, one must expect to suffer in a good cause. And what with my wounds and my cheerful conversation, I've made a complete conquest of Lady Coote." "Oh! Do you think that important?" "I've an idea it may come in useful." "You've got some plan in your mind, Jimmy. What is it?" "The young hero never tells his plans," said Jimmy firmly. "They mature in the dark." "You are an idiot, Jimmy." "I know. I know. That's what everyone says. But I can assure you, Loraine, there's a lot of brain-work going on underneath. Now what about your plans? Got any?" "Bundle has suggested that I should go to Chimneys with her for a bit."