What was intended? There was no doubt a conspiracy afoot to destroy some public building, or perhaps an important bridge or railway junction.
This he pointed out to Ella, who, in reply, said:
“Yes. I shall remain here and watch. I shall close up my flat, and send my maid on a holiday, so as to have excuse to remain here at home.”
“Right-ho! darling. You can always get at me on the telephone. You remain here and watch at this end, while I will keep an eye on Ortmann—at least, as far as my flying duties will allow me.”
Thus it was arranged, and the pair, treading noiselessly, closed the door and, relocking it, crept softly down the stairs. In the dark hall Seymour took his well-beloved in his strong arms and there held her, kissing her passionately upon the brow. Then he whispered:
“Good-night, my darling. Be careful that you are not detected watching.”
A moment later he had slipped out of the door and was gone.
Hardly had the door closed when Ella was startled by a movement on the landing at the head of the stairs—a sound like a footstep. There was a loose board there, and it had creaked! Some one was moving.
“Who’s there?” she asked in apprehension.
There was no reply.