* * * * *
“There must be a kitchen and larder somewhere. Are you able to come and look, Colin?”
They were both pretty shaky, but they went exploring along that stone passage like lovers in a sequestered country lane.
They discovered a comfortable kitchen, with two basket easy chairs, and a well-stocked larder.
“We must eat awfully little to begin with,” said the wise Kitty. “And you must sit in that nice chair till I prepare it.”
They partook cautiously of some very light dainties, and sipped a little wine and water; and then Colin felt equal to a wash-up; and then they made love; and then Colin went along to give the man, who was inclined to be boisterous, a word of warning; and then they made more love, and talked a little sense as well; but the sense made them very sleepy and for a space they forgot even each other; and when Colin woke up he beheld Kitty preparing something for breakfast; and it was such a delicious sight to behold her with her sleeves rolled up that he was almost angry when Risk and West, having forced a silent entrance to the house, smashed their way down to the basement.
* * * * *
Later, safely at Hilda’s flat, Kitty would have thanked Risk, but he stopped her almost at the first word.
“No, Miss Carstairs,” he said, with a rueful smile, “I have found out that I’m not clever. I thought I was till I met your aunt. I have to thank her for saving me from a bitter failure. I believe she will yet save her unhappy brother. And,” he paused for a moment, “I think we may leave Mr. Symington to receive his punishment from her—unless you would prefer—”
“Oh, let him go,” she cried with a shudder. “I hope I may never see him, or Dunford, again. . . . I want to ask you a question, Mr. Risk. Do I—do I owe you a hundred pounds?”