The "lass
o' Richmond Hill" was no fairer than the happy woman who had seen
Major Hardwicke depart for a long conference with that all powerful
sprite of the magic pen, Frank Halton, who was now busied in
launching his creation, Prince Djiddin. "A single word at the 'F.
O.' will legalize our useful myth, 'Prince Djiddin,' and I hope
that Hardwicke and Murray will succeed. They can surely lose nothing
by the attempt. I am known to be the Viceroy's aide-de-camp 'on
leave,' a near kinsman, and I am sure that old Fraser would take
alarm at the first visit or written communication from me. Once
startled, he would soon be off to hide the jewels on the Continent,
and then only laugh at our efforts. Of course he will swear that
the insured packet only contained family papers or some of the
estate's securities. Yes! Alan Hawke is the only man whom I fear
now as to the safety of either the girl or the jewels. He seems
to have had many old dealings with Hugh Johnstone, too!" They were
silent as they threaded the beautiful Surrey garden lanes of the
old burgh of Sheen. Loved by the bluff Harrys of the English throne,
its beauties sung by poet and deputed by artist, the charming
declivities of Richmond gained a new name from Henry VII, and
its bosky shades once saw a kingly Edward, a Henry, and a mighty
Elizabeth drop the scepter of Great Britain from the palsied hand
of Death.
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