, then he was
a past master in the art of repression. On the other hand perhaps he
didn't--and there was really no reason why he should. Eavesdropping was
a common enough fault with the best of servants, and curiosity a failing
of most men. Borkins might be--and possibly was--absolutely innocent of
any knowledge of last night's affair. And yet, how did the knowledge,
that he was not altogether what he seemed, leak out? It was a puzzle to
which, as yet, Cleek could find no answer.

Mr. Narkom greeted Cleek enthusiastically when he joined him.

"I'm off on a tour of investigation in a few minutes," he announced.
"Petrie and Hammond arrived last night, as you know, and are putting up
at the village inn. I'm meeting them at the edge of the Fens at ten
o'clock. Then we're going to have a good look to see if we can find the
bodies of the two men who have vanished. You coming along?"

Cleek nodded, and the queer little one-sided smile travelled up his
cheek.

"Certainly, my dear Lake. I'd be delighted. Sir Nigel, of course, has
other business to attend to. It's ten minutes to ten now. If you're going
you'd better step lively. Ah," as Dollops's figure appeared in the
doorway, "if you'll excuse me, Sir Nigel, I'll just have a word or two
with my man." His voice dropped several tones as he addressed the boy and
they moved away together. "Mr. Lake and I are going out for a walk across
the Fens. Petrie and Hammond will be there at ten. I'd like you to join
'em. Better nip along now."

"Yessir."

"And--Dollops"--he beckoned him back and bent his head to the lad's
ear, speaking in a voice that none heard but the one it was intended
for--"keep a sharp look-out. I had a narrow escape last night. Someone
tried to stab me in bed but he got my pillow instead--"

"_Gawdamercy_, Guv'nor!--"

"Ssh. And there's no need to worry. I'm still here, you see. But keep
your eyes and your ears open, and if you see any strange men hanging
around, report to me at once."

Dollops's usually pale, freckled countenance went a shade paler, and he
caught at Cleek's arm as though he were loath to let it go.

"But, sir," he whispered in a hoarse undertone, "you won't go a-knocking
about alone, will yer? If anythin' were to 'appen to you--I--I'd go along
and commit that there 'harum-scarum' wot the Japanese are so fond o'
doin'--on the spot!"

Cleek could barely restrain a laugh. The whispered conversation had taken
the merest fraction of a minute