RICE-PAPERS
He looked over his shoulder and then peered out in search of familiar land-marks. They had passed Canons Hill and swung into the main road to Watford. If they reached there safely they would get to Ashwater Park which was but a short distance beyond.
She heard him speaking again and felt something thrust into the palm of her hand.
“Take this,” he said. “It’s what they want. They mustn’t get it.”
“But who are they?”
“I don’t know. Except that they’ve been sent by Rizzio.”
“Rizzio!”
“Yes. He’s not with them. This sort of game requires chaps of a different type.”
“You mean that they”
“Oh, don’t be alarmed. They won’t hurt me and of course they won’t hurt you. I’m going to get you out of the way—with this. My success depends on you. We’ll drive past the Park entrance close to wicket gate in the hedge near the house. Just as we stop, jump out, run through and hide among the shrubbery. Your cloak is dark. They won’t see you. When they’re gone, make your way to the house. It’s a chance, but I’ve got to take it.”
“And you?” she faltered.
“I’ll get away. Don’t worry. But the packet. Whatever happens don’t let them get the packet.”
“No,” she said in a daze, “I won’t.”
“Keep it for me, until I come. But don’t examine it. It’s quite unimportant to anybody but me” he laughed, “that is, anybody but Rizzio.”
She stared straight in front of her trying to think, but thought seemed impossible. The speed had got
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