and never did exist. But your reputation is another matter and I
pray you won't feel so ready to let a fine record go down the wind
this time to-morrow."

"To-morrow?"

"Yes; to-morrow night the bracelets go on him."

Peter then indicated his purpose.

"He'll not guess we're moving quite so quickly and, by so doing, we
anticipate his stroke. That, at least, is what I mean to attempt
with your help, if possible. To-night and to-morrow morning I keep
beside Albert; then you must do so; because, after lunch, I have a
meeting with the local police down the lake at Como. The warrant
will be waiting for me and I shall return after dark in one of the
little black boats of the doganieri. We shall come up with lights
out and land at the villa.

"Your part will be to keep Albert in sight and watch the others.
Doria will probably believe my excuse for going down to Como isn't
true, and he is therefore likely to jump at the opportunity to get
on with it. There's just a chance of poison. I don't like to get
Albert across to Poggi, because there he would be much easier to
tackle than here."

"He's awake to the critical situation?"

"Yes, I've made it clear. He's promised not to eat or drink
anything, except what I bring home with me to-night from here. Our