CHAPTER XXIX.
THE LINK IN THE CHAIN Practically for three days and three nights the Council sat continually.
There was no pretence now at recreation, no other guests.

We worked, all of us, from the Duke downwards, unflaggingly and with very little respite.

When at last the end came, my padlocked notebook, with its hundreds of pages of hieroglyphics, held the principal material for three schemes of coast defence, each one considered separately and supported by a mass of detail as to transport, commissariat, and many minor points.
The principal members of the Council departed by special train early on Monday morning.

I myself, a little dizzy and hot-eyed, walked across the park an hour after dawn, and flung myself upon my bed with a deep sigh of relief.

Before I had closed my eyes, however, Grooton appeared with apologies for his dishabille.
"I have been up to the house twice, sir," he said, "but they would not let me see you or even send in a message.