Evening star., 1914-07-26


night. If Constance had not lost her way by
intention, or if she had not picked up the
party under the oak tree, or if she had driven
directly to Exham Station-but were the
persons picked up those who had figured in
thetattack? Clearly they were friends of
Constance's. The evidence said this and
said that. Thus he mused.
THE following evening Constance re-
turned to Bagsworthy Tower. Little
Debbins was on duty in the moldering base
ment,-once a dungeon and now trans
formed into fairly presentable kitchen,
with an egress for smoke by way of hole
in the wall leading directly into a tall,
tangled chimp of bushes Presently the sec
retary arrived, and following her the other
two conspirators. They greeted Constance
with a certain Difference, yet striving to
maintain footing of equality in their speech
and actions. Constance, having outlined
plan, was surprised at the instant resistance
that it met.
"Well Sisters, our little escapade has
gone about far enough, don't you think9"
she said.
Al don't follow at ALL" said the secre-
d mean that it's about time that we re-
lease our honored guest" said Constance.
The secretary, Mrs. Banks, and Miss Will
kins drew back as though she had thrown
bomb into their midst. Constance nerved
herself to go on.
@Oh, mean that" she declared. @Don't
you see how futile it is to keep this up any
1onger?'
@Futile!" echoed the secretary. Every
moment that passes adds to our strength
@Not at ALL" returned Constance. 3Mr.
Ransome will never sign that paper. He is
really needed now in London. The papers
are full of the impending land bill vote, and
that is measure scarcely less progressive
than our own. Our little joke ought to stop
now"
49," said the secretary, stepping back
concentrated scorn that she could command,
@our plans, our hopes, our risks, Our very
cause perhaps, has been to you joke! We
want no jokers in our party!'
"Oh, didn't mean a joke exactly" fall
tered Constance; "but l mean that think
Il believe-it will be foolish to keep Mr..
Ransome prisoner. Can't we parole him?'
at is our intention to keep him prisoner
until he capitulates," said the secretary.
at was never my intention" cried Con-
stance.
Il think" said Miss Wilkins soothingly,
3that it is question of the majority"
dts question for the lodge" said Mrs.
Banks. ave can't take a step without their
consent"
"On the contrary" said Constance, eve
as the committee were given full power to
execute this scheme"
Il agree with you there" said the secre-
tary, aand also with Miss Wilkins. 1t re-
mains clearly question of majority. Now
how do we stand?'
Constance held up her hand in sign of sub
mission. "Do not let it go any further. If
you think that way, l must of course go
with you"
~And that's we'll said," cried the secretary.
am about to propose putting him on bread
and water. What do you think?"
@If it will end it any sooner" said Con-
stance, "let's do it by all means. I'm for
bread and water"
@That means housekeeping easy on my
trick" laughed Mrs. Banks.
"Let us continue to observe every pre-
caution" suggested Miss Wilkins, siding
out the door.
That's well said," added the secretary.
at might be well for you, Sister Stanhope,
to take some ferns back. That will serve
as an excuse for visiting this locality"
"a good idea" agreed Constance.