the Fens isn't for me to say. But--'e 'asn't come
back yet, sir!"

Merriton looked anxious. Collins had a strong hold upon his master's
heart. He certainly wouldn't like anything to happen to him.

"You mean to say," he said sharply, "that Collins went out last night to
fetch my papers from the station and was fool enough to take the short
cut across the Fens?"

"I warned him against doin' so," said Borkins, "since 'e said 'e'd
probably go that way. That no Frozen Flames was a-goin' ter frighten 'im,
an'--an' 'is language was most offensive. But I've no doubt 'e went."

"Then why the devil didn't you tell me last night?" exclaimed Merriton
angrily, jumping out of bed. "You knew the--the truth about Mr. Wynne's
disappearance, and yet you deliberately let that man go out to his death.
If anything's happened to James Collins, Borkins, I'll--I'll wring your
damned neck. Understand?"

Borkins went a shade or two paler, and took a step backward.

"Sir Nigel, sir--I--"

"When did Collins go?"

"'Arf past eight, sir!" Borkins' voice trembled a little. "And believe
me or not, sir, I did my best to persuade Collins from doin' such an
extremely dangerous thing. I begged 'im not to think o' doin' it, but
Collins is pig-'eaded, if you'll forgive the word, sir, and he was bent
upon gettin' your papers. I swear, sir, I ain't 'ad anythin' ter do with
it, and when 'e didn't come back last night before I went to bed I said
to meself, I said, 'Collins 'as dropped into a public 'ouse and made a--a
ass of hisself', I said. And thought no more about it, expectin' he'd be
in later. But 'is bed 'asn't been slept in, and there 's no sign of 'im
anywhere."

Merriton twisted round upon his heel and looked at the man keenly for a
moment.

"I'm fond of Collins, Borkins," he said abruptly. "We've known each other
a long time. I shouldn't like anything to happen to the chap while he's
in my service, that's all. Get out now and make enquiries in every
direction. Have Dimmock go down to the village. And ransack every public
house round about. If you can't find any trace of him--" his lips
tightened for a moment, "then I'll fetch in the police. I'll get the
finest detective in the land on this thing, I'll get Cleek himself if it
costs me every penny I possess, but I'll have him traced somehow. Those
devilish flames are taking too heavy a toll. I've reached the end of my
tether!"

He waved Borkins out with an imperious hand, and went on wi