e better,'
observed Baltic, in his solemn way, 'and there are few men who are more
aware of the value of a silent tongue.'

'You may be an admirable detective, as you say,' retorted Cargrim,
nettled by the rebuke, 'but I have only your word for it; and you will
permit me to observe that I have not yet seen a proof of your
capabilities.'

'All in good time, Mr Cargrim. More haste less speed, sir. I fancy I am
on the right track at last.'

'Can you guess who killed the man?' asked the chaplain, eagerly waiting
for the bishop's name to be pronounced.

'I never guess, sir. I theorise from external evidence, and then try,
with such brains as God has given me, to prove my theories.'

'You have gained some evidence, then?'

'If I have, Mr Cargrim, you'll hear it when I place the murderer in the
dock. It is foolish to show half-finished work.'

'But if the mur--'

'Hold hard, sir!' interrupted Baltic, raising his head. 'I'll so far
depart from my rule as to tell you one thing--whosoever killed Jentham,
it was not Bishop Pendle.'

Cargrim grew red and angry. 'I tell you it was!' he almost shouted,
although this conversation took place in a quiet corner near the
cathedral, and thereby required prudent speech and demeanour. 'Didn't Dr
Pendle meet Jentham on the common?'

'We presume so, sir, but as yet we have no proof of the meeting.'

'At least you know that he paid Jentham two hundred pounds.'

'Perhaps he did; maybe he didn't,' returned Baltic, quietly. 'He
certainly drew out that amount from the Ophir Bank, but, not having
traced the notes, I can't say if he paid it to the man.'

'But I am sure he did,' insisted Cargrim, still angry.

'In that case, sir, why ask me for my opinion?' replied the
imperturbable Baltic.

If Mr Cargrim had not been a clergyman, he would have sworn at the
complacent demeanour of the agent, and even as it was he felt inclined
to risk a relieving oath or two. But knowing Baltic's religious
temperament, he was wise enough not to lay himself open to further
rebuke; so he turned the matter off with a laugh, and observed that no
doubt Mr Baltic knew his own business best.

'I think I can safely say so, sir,' rejoined Baltic, gravely. 'By the
way, did you not tell me that Captain George Pendle was on the common
when the murder took place?'

'Yes, George was there, and so was Gabriel. Mrs Pansey's page saw them
both.'

'And where is Captain Pendle now, sir?'

'At Wincaster with his