Mr. Harker, having arranged things to his liking at Lawrence Lane,
returned to Miss Lester and reminded her of her promise to assist him to
unmask Jasper Vermont. He found her more than willing to accompany him
to Barminster, and accordingly it was arranged that they should travel
down together on the following day, accompanied also by Jessica. Upon
the rare occasions that Vermont and Harker had met during the past week
the latter had made no sign of his recently acquired emancipation from
Jasper's rule, and that gentleman was in blissful unconsciousness of the
sword hanging over him.

Arrived at Windleham, the nearest station to Barminster, Mr. Harker left
the two women at the little hotel facing the railway, there to await his
return or instructions to come on to the Castle. Then he made his way to
Barminster. Here he delivered a note into the care of the footman,
bidding him to take it to his master without delay. In it he had begged
Lord Barminster to grant him an interview on important personal
business, hinting that by so doing he might avert future peril for
Adrien and himself.

In a very short time the man returned, with the message that Lord
Barminster would see him at once; and Mr. Harker was shown into the Blue
Room, in which Adrien Leroy had been arrested little more than a week
before.

"His lordship will be with you in a few moments," said the man as he
left the room.