. . " Chloe said doubtfully; and "I don't suppose Miss Burnett would find it very interesting," Reginald hastily threw in.

"Civilized man," Lord Arglay said, "is known by the capacity of his intellect to produce convincing reasons for his emotions. Convincing, Reginald. Say anything you like, except to suggest that anyone wouldn't be interested in this new interstellar traffic of yours. Besides, I need my secretary. I shall be out this afternoon and I officially request her to spend her time looking up all the references to Suleiman the son of David that she can find. We will all dine here at seven and then go to Ealing. That suit you, Miss Burnett? You, Reginald? Right."

Reginald got up to go. "Well, you won't finally decide against coming in until to-night, will you, uncle?" he said. "Good-bye, Nliss Burnett. Don't let my uncle persuade you to come if you don't want to."

"I won't," Chloe said politely, "as I shan't be able to have a financial interest. Good-bye, Mr. Montague."

When Reginald had gone-"And why the scratch, Miss Burnett?" Lord Arglay asked. "Quite right, of course, but why to-day especially? Generally you just let Reginald fleet by. Why this unwonted sharpness?"

"I beg your pardon," Chloe said. "I don't quite know. It was impertinent of me. I didn't mean to be rude to you."

"Not in the least impertinent," the Chief Justice answered. "Quite remarkably relevant. But why to-day?"

"I think it was his talk of the Crown of Suleiman," Chloe said reluctantly. "Somehow . . ."

Arglay shook his head. "I wouldn't pin much to that. My belief is still that Giles has been hocussing that young man. But I'm curious to know why; and anyhow it wouldn't do me any harm to know as much as you about the son of David. I can't think of another fact about him at present. So you dig out what you can and then clear off and be back by seven. "

"Are you going out, Lord Arglay?" Chloe asked.

"Certainly not," the Chief justice said.