Page:Robert Barr - Lord Stranleigh Philanthropist.djvu/201

 travelled through England to their various stations, and have now returned to their respective homes by the ordinary routes. So far as Lord Stranleigh is aware, no enquiry has been made, and no questions asked.

"(Signed) ."

Two weeks passed without any answer to this letter, then arrived a long blue envelope, decorated by the capital letters "O.H.M.S." Stranleigh tore it open, and read:—

"Earl Stranleigh of Wychwood:—

"My Lord,

"The Right Honourable the Secretary of State for the Blue desires me to thank your lordship for the communication sent to him.

"Yours,, Secretary."

"Pigeon-holed, by jingo!" ejaculated Stranleigh, throwing down the paper for Blake's inspection.

Blake read, and laughed.

"Good old British Government! The villain is foiled again."

"But the villain still pursues her!" cried his lordship. "I shall now qualify for prison with an effectiveness that cannot be ignored."