Lair of the White Worm

by a horrid stench, something like that which rose from the well-hole in
Diana's Grove.

By degrees, as their eyes got the right focus, they saw an immense
towering mass that seemed snowy white.  It was tall and thin.  The lower
part was hidden by the trees which lay between, but they could follow the
tall white shaft and the duplicate green lights which topped it.  As they
looked there was a movement--the shaft seemed to bend, and the line of
green light descended amongst the trees.  They could see the green light
twinkle as it passed between the obstructing branches.

Seeing where the head of the monster was, the two men ventured a little
further forward, and saw that the hidden mass at the base of the shaft
was composed of vast coils of the great serpent's body, forming a base
from which the upright mass rose.  As they looked, this lower mass moved,
the glistening folds catching the moonlight, and they could see that the
monster's progress was along the ground.  It was coming towards them at a
swift pace, so they turned and ran, taking care to make as little noise
as possible, either by their footfalls or by disturbing the undergrowth
close to them.  They did not stop or pause till they saw before them the
high dark tower of Doom.




CHAPTER XXIII--IN THE ENEMY'S HOUSE


Sir Nathaniel was in the library next morning, after breakfast, when Adam
came to him carrying a letter.

"Her ladyship doesn't lose any time.  She has begun work already!"

Sir Nathaniel, who was writing at a table near the window, looked up.

"What is it?" said he.

Adam held out the letter he was carrying.  It was in a blazoned envelope.

"Ha!" said Sir Nathaniel, "from the White Worm!  I expected something of
the kind."

"But," said Adam, "how could she have known we were here?  She didn't
know last night."

"I don't think we need trouble about that, Adam.  There is so much we do
not understand.  This is only another mystery.  Suffice it that she does
know--perhaps it is all the better and safer for us."

"How is that?" asked Adam with a puzzled look.

"General process of reasoning, my boy; and the experience of some years
in the diplomatic world.  This creature is a monster without heart or
consideration for anything or anyone.  She is not nearly so dangerous in
the open as when she has the dark to protect her.  Besides, we know, by
our own experience of her movements, that for some reason she shuns
publicity.  In spite of her vast bulk and abnormal strength, she is
afraid to attack openly.  After all, she is only a snake and with a
snake's nature, which is to keep low and squirm, and proceed by stealth
and cunning.  She will never attack when she can run away, although she
knows well that running away would probably be fatal to her.  What is the
letter about?"

Sir Nathaniel's voice was calm and self-possessed.  When he was engaged
in any struggle of wits he was all diplomatist.

"She asks Mimi and me to tea this afternoon at Diana's Grove, and hopes
that you also will favour her."

Sir Nathaniel smiled.

"Please ask Mrs. Salton to accept for us all."

"She means some deadly mischief.  Surely--surely it would be wiser not."

"It is an old trick that we learn early in diplomacy, Adam--to fight on
ground of your own choice.  It is true that she suggested the place on
this occasion; but by accepting it we make it ours.  Moreover, she will
not be able to understand our reason for doing so, and her own bad
conscience--if she has any, bad or good--and her own fears and doubts
will play our game for us.  No, my dear boy, let us accept, by all
means."

Adam said nothing, but silently held out his hand, which his companion
shook: no words were necessary.

When it was getting near tea-time, Mimi asked Sir Nathaniel how they were
going.

"We must make a point of going in state.  We want all possible
publicity."  Mimi looked at him inquiringly.  "Certainly, my dear, in the
present circumstances publicity is a part of safety.  Do not be surprised
if, whilst we are at Diana's Grove, occasional messages come for you--for
all or any of us."

"I see!" said Mrs. Salton.  "You are taking no chances."

"None, my dear.  All I have learned at foreign courts, and amongst
civilised and uncivilised people, is going to be utilised within the next
couple of hours."