When a man is thoroughly unprincipled he can always find ways and means for the carrying out of his iniquitous plans. Major Grafton experienced no difficulty in devising a method for staving off the threatened danger.
One day after a leisurely breakfast, during which Major Grafton had been unusually chatty and affable, he said:
"Philip, I have a pleasure in store for you."
"What is it, sir?"
"We are going to take a long drive into the country."
"Thank you, sir. I shall enjoy it."
Fifteen minutes afterward an open carriage drove into the court-yard of the hotel.
"Is this the carriage I ordered?" asked Major Grafton.
"It is for M. de Grafton," said the driver.