“Oh, don’t be alarmed. They won’t hurt me and of course they won’t hurt you. I’m going to get you out of the way--with this. My success depends on you. We’ll drive past the Park entrance close to wicket gate in the hedge near the house. Just as we stop, jump out, run through and hide among the shrubbery. Your cloak is dark. They won’t see you. When they’re gone, make your way to the house. It’s a chance, but I’ve got to take it.” “And you?” she faltered. “I’ll get away. Don’t worry. But the packet. Whatever happens don’t let them get the packet.” “No,” she said in a daze, “I won’t.” “Keep it for me, until I come. But don’t examine it. It’s quite unimportant to anybody but me----” he laughed, “that is, anybody but Rizzio.” She stared straight in front of her trying to think, but thought seemed impossible. The speed had got into her blood and she was mastered by a spirit stronger than her own. He held her in his arms again and she gloried in the thought that she could help him. Whatever his cause, her heart and soul were in it. They roared into Watford and, turning sharp to the left, took the road to Croxley Green. The machine hadn’t missed a spark but the touring-car was creeping up--was so close that its lights were blinding them. Hammersley leaned forward and gave a hurried order to Stryker. They passed the Park gates at full speed--the wicket gate was a quarter of a mile beyond. Would they make it? The touring-car was roaring up alongside but Stryker jockeyed it into the gutter. Voices were shouting and Doris got the gleam of something in the hand of a tall figure standing up in the other car. There followed shots--four of them--and an ominous sound came from somewhere underneath as the limousine limped forward. “It’s our right rear tire,” said Stryker. “Have we a spare wheel,” she heard Cyril say. “Yes, sir.” “When we stop put it on as quick as you can. A hundred yards. Easy--so and we’re there, Stryker. Now. Over to the left and give ’em the road. Quick! Now stop!” The other machine came alongside at their right and the men jumped down just as Cyril threw open the left-hand door and Doris leaped out and went through the gate in the hedge. CHAPTER IV DANGEROUS SECRETS Once within the borders of her father’s estate and hidden in a clump of bushes near the hedge, all idea of flight left Doris’s head. She was home and the familiar scene gave her confidence. From the middle of her clump of bushes grew a spruce tree, and into it she quickly climbed until she reached a point where she could see the figures in the road beside the quivering machines. She had not been followed. The five men were gathered around Cyril, who was protesting violently at the outrage. They had not missed her yet. Stryker was on his knees beside the stricken wheel. “Come, now,” she heard the leader saying, “you’re not to be hurt if you’ll give ’em up.”