"Yes, this has been a most upsetting business for you, my lord," he

said. "You have had, and are having, a most trying time; this is the

kind of thing which will break down the strongest man; and I'm about to

take the liberty of offering you a word of advice." As he spoke, he took

up a Continental Bradshaw which was lying open on the table. "In cases

of your kind, there's nothing like a change of scene and air. You want

to go right away: I mean, a long way.--I've been looking up one or two

places where a man could hide himself--I beg your pardon!--I mean,

seclude himself without fear of interruption or--interference."

Heyton stared at him; and as he stared, with a puzzled frown, his

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swollen face grew mottled, livid in places, red in others.

"I don't know what the devil you mean!" he blurted out. "Why should I go

anywhere?"

"For the sake of your health, my lord," said Mr. Jacobs, his innocent

blue eyes fixed on Heyton. "You want a change--and at once; in fact, it

is absolutely imperative." He leant forward across the table, patted the

Bradshaw and dropped his voice as he went on incisively, "You can catch

the night mail from Charing Cross. Book straight through by the

Trans-Siberian, by way of Moscow and Pekin. When you reach Harbin, go

right into the interior. There are mines there--anyhow, you can lose

yourself. You understand, my lord?"

The sweat stood out in great drops on Heyton's face; he tried to meet

the detective's eye with an insolent, indignant stare; but his eyes

wavered and fell and he sank into a chair.

"I--I don't know what you mean?" he stammered thickly.

"But you will go?" inquired Mr. Jacobs. "In fact, I am sure you will."

Cur as he was, Heyton made a last stand; he threw up his head, swore a

vile oath and struck the table.

"I'm hanged if I do!" he said.

"You'll be hanged, if you don't, my lord!" said Mr. Jacobs. Then, after

a pause, he said, with a shrug of the shoulders, "I thought you'd have

been sensible, that you'd have taken my tip without forcing me into

particulars; but if you must have them--well, Lord Heyton, if you are

here to-morrow morning, I shall arrest you for the robbery of the jewels

and the attempted murder of Lord Sutcombe."

Heyton sprang to his feet; then sank back again with a hoarse attempt at

a laugh.




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