,
where the police have been prompt to follow them," Gilbert said to
himself, glancing for an instant at the more hopeful side of the
question; "but not often where they've got anything like a start. Did
John Saltram really mean to follow those two to Liverpool, I wonder?
Such a journey would seem like madness, in his state; and yet what a
triumph if he should have been in time to prevent their starting by the
_Oronoco_!"

And then, after a pause, he asked himself,

"What could he want with Mrs. Branston, at a time when every moment was
precious? Money, perhaps. He could have had none with him. Yes, money, no
doubt; but I shall discover that from her presently, and may learn
something of his plans into the bargain."

Gilbert went into a stationer's shop and purchased a _Bradshaw_. There
was a train leaving Euston station for Liverpool at a quarter to eleven.
He might be in time for that, after seeing Mrs. Branston. That lady
happened fortunately to be at home, and received Gilbert alone in her
favourite back drawing-room, where he found her ensconced in that snug
retreat made by the six-leaved Japanese screen, which formed a kind of
temple on one side of the fire-place. There had been a final rupture
between Adela and Mrs. Pallinson a few days before, and that matron,
having shown her cards a little too plainly, had been routed by an
unwonted display of spirit on the part of the pretty little widow. She
was gone, carrying all her belongings with her, and leaving peace and
liberty behind her. The flush of triumph was still upon Mrs. Branston;
and this unexpected victory, brief and sudden in its occurrence, like
most great victories, was almost a consolation to her for that
disappointment which had stricken her so heavily of late.

Adela Branston welcomed her visitor very graciously; but Gilbert had no
time to waste upon small talk, and after a hasty apology for his untimely
intrusion, dashed at once into the question he had come to ask.

"John Saltram was with you yesterday evening, Mrs. Branston," he said.
"Pray tell me the purpose that brought him here, and anything you know of
his plan of action after leaving you."

"I can tell you very little about that. He was going upon a journey he
told me, that evening, immediately indeed; a most important journey; but
he did not tell me where he was going."

"I think I can guess that," said Gilbert. "Did he seem much agitated?"

"No; he was quite calm; but he had a reso