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248 and suspicion and dread. By-and-by they came to the fork of the Luya, and the two roads branched in different directions—that to Baròlin going as it seemed into the mountains—into the heart of Mount Luya, while the way to the Dell led round the mountain and now over comparatively easy ground.

They all reined in their horses, and said good-night.

"Mind, I shall expect you some time to-morrow," said Lord Horace. "How long are you spared from your ministerial duties, Blake?"

"Oh, I'm fairly free," he answered, "that's the beauty of being a responsible member of the Cabinet."

"And old Stukeley has gone to his summer retreat on the Ubi, so that you won't be overdone with meetings of the Executive, and Torbolton and Grierson of the 'Lands' are deep in the budget and the new Land Bill. The Colonial Secretary ought to have a pretty easy time—only Moonlight on your conscience!" said Lord Horace.

"Yes, only Moonlight on my conscience," and both Blake and Trant laughed, again Elsie fancied in that odd way they both sometimes had.

"Well, Macpherson, of the Police, is to turn up at the Dell some time, and you had much better meet him there and consult. It's handier to Goondi than the Gorge. And mind, Lady Waveryng is countin' on that escort for her diamonds. Whatever happens, the Waveryng diamonds have got to be looked after."

"Oh, yes," cried Trant. "Whatever happens, the Waveryng diamonds have got to be looked after. You'll see us over at the Dell, Horace. Good-night."

Lord Horace did not relish being called Horace pure and simple by Dominic Trant. "Confound the fellow's cheek!" he said to Mrs. Allanby, but his sense of humour got the better of his irritation. "He makes me think of that chap at the Bean-tree, Frank, when we were canvassing, and I was trying on the aristocratic dodge. 'Lord! He a lord! Lords don't live in bark huts. I ain't agoin' to call him lord. He's just as much a lord as I am.'