“Most heartily. I can hardly believe that our hidden foe will make a further attack until he learns that he has been foiled again. Yet you will all be happier, and unquestionably safer, away from London. Does anyone here know where you are going?”
“No one. I have not told my maid or footman. It was not necessary, as we intended to remain here a week.”
“Admirable! When you leave the hotel in the morning give Yarmouth as your destination. Not until you reach King’s Cross need you inform your servants that you are really going to Whitby. Would you object to—ah, well that is perhaps, difficult. I was about to suggest an assumed name, but Miss Layton’s father would object, no doubt.”
“If he did not, I would,” said Robert impetuously. “Who has Margaret to fear, and what do David and I care for all the anonymous scoundrels in creation?”
“Is there really so much danger that such a proceeding is advisable?” inquired the trembling Nellie.
“To-day’s circumstances speak for themselves, Miss Layton,” replied Brett. “Neither you nor Mrs. Capella run the least risk. I will not be answerable for the others. Grave difficulties must be surmounted before the power for further injury is taken from the man we seek. In my professional capacity, I say act openly, advertise your destination, make it known that Mr. Hume escaped from the wreck of the hansom unhurt. Should the would-be murderer follow you to Whitby he cannot escape me. Here in London he is one among five millions. But speaking as a friend, I advise the utmost vigilance unless another Hume-Frazer is to die in his boots.”
It was not Helen but Margaret who wailed in agony:
“Do you really mean what you say? Have matters reached that stage?”
“Yes, they have.”
His voice was cold, almost stern.