nything more, old boy; you've given me quite enough to think
about. Don't let's bother about it to-night. We'll just have a look at
this cupboard and then get to bed."

But the cupboard had not much to tell them that night. It was empty save
for a few old bottles.

"Well, that's that," said Bill.

But Antony, on his knees with the torch in his hand, continued to search
for something.

"What are you looking for?" asked Bill at last.

"Something that isn't there," said Antony, getting up and dusting his
trousers. And he locked the door again.

CHAPTER XVIII. Guess-work

The inquest was at three o'clock; thereafter Antony could have no claim
on the hospitality of the Red House. By ten o'clock his bag was packed,
and waiting to be taken to 'the George.' To Bill, coming upstairs after
a more prolonged breakfast, this early morning bustle was a little
surprising.

"What's the hurry?" he asked.

"None. But we don't want to come back here after the inquest. Get your
packing over now and then we can have the morning to ourselves."

"Righto." He turned to go to his room, and then came back again. "I say,
are we going to tell Cayley that we're staying at 'the George'?"

"You're not staying at 'the George,' Bill. Not officially. You're going
back to London."

"Oh!"

"Yes. Ask Cayley to have your luggage sent in to Stanton, ready for you
when you catch a train there after the inquest. You can tell him that
you've got to see the Bishop of London at once. The fact that you are
hurrying back to London to be confirmed will make it seem more natural
that I should resume my interrupted solitude at 'the George' as soon as
you have gone."

"Then where do I sleep to-night?"

"Officially, I suppose, in Fulham Place; unofficially, I suspect, in
my bed, unless they've got another spare room at 'the George.' I've put
your confirmation robe--I mean your pyjamas and brushes and things--in
my bag, ready for you. Is there anything else you want to know? No? Then
go and pack. And meet me at ten-thirty beneath the blasted oak or in the
hall or somewhere. I want to talk and talk and talk, and I must have my
Watson."

"Good," said Bill, and went off to his room.

An hour later, having communicated their official plans to Cayley, they
wandered out together into the park.

"Well?" said Bill, as they sat down underneath a convenient tree. "Talk
away."

"I had many bright thoughts in my bath this morning," began Antony. "Th