As it was, Nella departed with surprising docility, and the two men were left alone.
'Now,' said Racksole suddenly, changing his tone, 'I fancy that after all I'm your man for a little amateur investigation to-night.

And, if I must speak the exact truth, I think that to sleep on this affair would be about the very worst thing we could do.

But I was anxious to keep Nella out of harm's way at any rate till to-morrow.

She is a very difficult creature to manage, Prince, and I may warn you,' he laughed grimly, 'that if we do succeed in doing anything to-night we shall catch it from her ladyship in the morning.

Are you ready to take that risk ?' 'I am,' the Prince smiled.