I was afraid for
you. Fortunately I had surveyed the house pretty thoroughly. There
is an entrance to it at the back, from a narrow lane. I made my way
there. I got into the yard at the back, and I stood under the window
of the room where you had the interview with Miss Spencer. I
heard everything that was said. It was a courageous enterprise on
your part to follow Miss Spencer from the Grand Babylon to
Ostend. Well, I dared not force an entrance, lest I might precipitate
matters too suddenly, and involve both of us in a difficulty. I
merely kept watch. Ah, Miss Racksole! you were magnificent with
Miss Spencer; as I say, I could hear every word, for the window
was slightly open. I felt that you needed no assistance from me.
And then she cheated you with a trick, and the revolver came
flying through the window. I picked it up, I thought it would
probably be useful. There was a silence. I did not guess at first that
you had fainted. I thought that you had escaped. When I found out
the truth it was too late for me to intervene. There were two men,
both desperate, besides Miss Spencer - '
'Who was the other man?' asked Nella.
'I do not know. It was dark. They drove away with you to the
harbour. Again I followed. I saw them carry you on board. Before
the yacht weighed anchor I managed to climb unobserved into the
dinghy. I lay down full length in it, and no one suspected that I was
there.
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