"I shall say that her state of health renders it inadvisable for the present."
"What shall she be called?" asked Campbell.
"I think we had better stick to Thompkins. She is accustomed to that. Only we will spell it Tomkyns and change the Christian name to John."
"But won't she confide what she believes to be her real name to Miss Trevor?" asked Guy anxiously.
"I think not--not if I tell her I don't wish her to do so. She has a great idea of wifely obedience, I assure you."
"Well," laughed Guy, "that is a virtue which so few real wives possess that it seems a pity it should be wasted on a temporary one. And now, Cyril, we must decide on the best way and the best time for transferring Miss Prentice to the hotel."
"Unless something unexpected occurs to change our plans, I think she had better be moved the day after to-morrow. I advise your starting as early as possible before the world is well awake. But I leave all details to you. You are quite capable of managing the situation. Only be sure you are not followed, that is all I ask."
"I don't expect we shall be, but if we are, I think I can promise to outwit them," Campbell assured him.
"I shall never forget what you are doing for me, Guy."
"You had better not. I expect you to erect a monument commemorating my virtues and my folly. Now I must be off. Where are those stolen goods of which I am to become the custodian?"
"Here they are. I have done them up in several parcels, so that they are not too bulky to carry. As I don't want the police to know how intimate we are, it is better that we should not be seen together in public for the present."
"I think you are over-cautious. But perhaps," agreed Campbell, "we might as well meet here till all danger is over."
A few minutes later Cyril also left the club. His talk with Campbell had been a great relief to him. As he walked briskly along, he felt calm--almost cheerful.
"Isn't this Lord Wilmersley?" inquired a deep voice at his elbow.
Turning quickly Cyril recognised Inspector Griggs.
For a moment Cyril was too startled to speak. Then, pulling himself together, he exclaimed with an attempt at heartiness:
"Why, Inspector! I thought you were in Newhaven. What has brought you to town?"
"I only left Newhaven this afternoon, but I think my work there is finished--for the present at least."