CHAPTER VIII

THE TOTTERING OF THE BARRIER The stable clock was striking two when Raymond Bettesford and Bryan arrived at Wessemer Court on the following morning. They were shown by a footman in scarlet livery into the billiard-room—really a part of the great hall—where the Earl stood, watching a game between two of his neighbours. He shook hands with them, and introduced Bryan to the two men who were playing—Captain Forrester, and Sir George Brankhurst. They all three remained watching the game, Bryan standing by Lord Wessemer’…