"I thought as much. Well, let us hear it, my girl."
Thereupon Emily related all that she had overheard between Gilbert Bidaud and Newman Chaytor. It was difficult for Basil to curb his excitement, and whenever an indignant exclamation passed his lips, Emily paused in sympathy, but he was too sensible of the value of time to frequently interrupt her, and as she spoke quickly, her tale did not occupy many minutes.
"This story," said Mr. Philpott, with a beaming face, "decides what is to be done, and how and when. The road is prepared for us by the villains themselves. It is a bold move I am about to suggest, but to adopt half-and-half measures with these scoundrels would be ridiculous."
Basil and Old Corrie said they were prepared for any move, however bold and daring, and were only too eager to undertake it.
"We mustn't be to eager," said Mr. Philpott; "cool and steady is our watchword. Now, Miss Emily, can you get us into the grounds of the villa to-night?"
"If I can get in," said the girl, "you can get in."
"And one of us into the lodge where the scoundrels are to meet at midnight?"
"Yes," said Emily, unhesitatingly.
"You are a girl after my own heart," said Mr. Philpott, admiringly. "There is a risk, you know, and you will have a share in it. It wouldn't be right for me to deceive you."
"I don't mind the risk," said the courageous girl. "I want to help to save my dear young lady from these wretches and monsters."