Meanwhile the whirligig had gone about violently after this fashion.

Forbes, wondering mightily, procured his automatics and gave one to his
impatient friend.

"What's the row, Crawffy?"

"Be as silent as you can," said Crawford. "Follow me. We may be too
late."

"Anywhere you say."

"The door will be locked. We'll creep around the upper veranda and
enter by opposite windows. You keep your eye on the valet. Don't be
afraid to shoot if it's necessary."

"What the deuce . . . !"

"Come!"

"But where?"

"Lord Monckton's room."

Blindly and confidently Forbes went out the rear window of the
corridor, while Crawford made for the front. They crept soundlessly
forward. Lord Monckton? What was up? Shoot the valet if necessary!
All right; Crawford knew what he was doing. He generally did. Through
his window Forbes saw two men packing suit-cases furiously. The moment
Crawford entered the room, Forbes did likewise, without the least idea
what it was all about.

"Put up your hands!" said Crawford quietly.

Master and man came about face.

"H'm! The dyed beard and stained skin might fool any one but me,
Mason."

Mason! Forbes' hand shook violently.

"I have seen you with a beard before, in the days when we hadn't time
for razors. I knew you the instant I laid eyes on you. Now, then, a
few words. I do not care to stand in your debt. Haggerty is
down-stairs. Upon two occasions you saved my life . . . Keep your eye
on your man, Forbes! . . . Twice you saved my life. I'm going to give
you a chance in return. An hour's start, perhaps. Forbes, come over
to me. That's it. Give me the automatic. There. Now, go through
their pockets carefully, and put everything in your own. Leave the
money. Mason, a boat leaves to-morrow noon for Liverpool. I'll ship
your trunks and grips to the American Express Company there. Do you
understand? If I ever see you again, I shan't lift a finger to save
you."