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something was chucked out." He handed a scrap of paper to Tommy. "It was

wrapped round a letterweight."

On the paper were scrawled three words: "To-morrow--same time."

Good egg!" cried Tommy. "We're getting going."

"I wrote a message on a piece of paper, wrapped it round a stone, and chucked it

through the window," continued Albert breathlessly.

Tommy groaned.

"Your zeal will be the undoing of us, Albert. What did you say?"

"Said we was a-staying at the inn. If she could get away, to come there and croak

like a frog."

"She'll know that's you," said Tommy with a sigh of relief. "Your imagination runs

away with you, you know, Albert. Why, you wouldn't recognize a frog croaking if

you heard it."

Albert looked rather crest-fallen.

"Cheer up," said Tommy. "No harm done. That butler's an old friend of mine--I bet

he knew who I was, though he didn't let on. It's not their game to show suspicion.

That's why we've found it fairly plain sailing. They don't want to discourage me

altogether. On the other hand, they don't want to make it too easy. I'm a pawn in

their game, Albert, that's what I am. You see, if the spider lets the fly walk out too

easily, the fly might suspect it was a put-up job. Hence the usefulness of that

promising youth, Mr. T. Beresford, who's blundered in just at the right moment

for them. But later, Mr. T. Beresford had better look out!"

Tommy retired for the night in a state of some elation. He had elaborated a

careful plan for the following evening. He felt sure that the inhabitants of Astley

Priors would not interfere with him up to a certain point. It was after that that

Tommy proposed to give them a surprise.

About twelve o'clock, however, his calm was rudely shaken. He was told that

some one was demanding him in the bar. The applicant proved to be a rude-

looking carter well coated with mud.

Well, my good fellow, what is it?" asked Tommy.

The Secret Adversary