This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
178
POLLYOOLY

Croome. "I was thinking that she might hit on a way. She hit on those violets."

"You stick to violets," said the Honorable John Ruffin, with quick decision. "Lady Grizel knows that Pollyooly, violets, and notes go together. When she sees Pollyooly and violets, she'll know that a note is there."

"By Jove! That's the tip!" cried Captain Croome.

"You can begin by fitting Pollyooly out as a flower-girl, and letting her meet Lady Grizel on her way to Kensington Gardens," said the Honorable John Ruffin slowly. "That ought to get three letters through—at least. When it is found out, we'll try something else."

"Right, by Jove, I do wish I'd come to you earlier! You do have rippin' ideas!" said Captain Croome, with a grateful appreciation of the Honorable John Ruffin's strategic ability.

The Honorable John Ruffin summoned Pollyooly, and unfolded this plan. She listened to it carefully, and slowly a radiant smile illumined her angel face; his words opened a vista of half-crowns.

At the end of it she said, "I shall have to take the Lump, sir."