“It's just like play-acting, mother,” he said.

“But it will pay better,” said Mrs. Brent quietly. “I think it will be best for me to begin calling you Philip at once—that is, as soon as we have left town—so that we may both get accustomed to it.”

“All right, mother. You've got a good headpiece.”

“I will manage things properly. If you consent to be guided by me, all will be right.”

“Oh, I'll do it mother. I wish we were on our way.”

“You can go to bed if you like. I must stay up late to-night. I have to pack our trunks.”

The next day the pair of adventurers left Gresham. From the earliest available point Mrs. Brent telegraphed to Mr. Granville that she was on her way, with the son from whom he had so long been separated.

[ [!-- H2 anchor --] ]

CHAPTER XVIII.

THE CONSPIRACY SUCCEEDS.