in."

"You're mistaken," said the Inspector. "He did. I saw him."

"He gave me an accurate description of Mr. Meason," said Hurd, "and I
am certain I saw him come in."

The hall porter shook his head.

"I was here when you came downstairs and I didn't see him."

"It's very strange," said the Inspector, looking at the detective.
"Are you sure he's the man you followed, that he came in here?"

"We both saw him," said the detective dryly.

"If it is the man, he's been precious quick undressing and getting into
bed," said the Inspector doubtfully.

Several people were in the hall. The explosion roused them. They made
anxious inquiries; the manager assured them.

Carl Meason listening upstairs little knew what a narrow escape he had.
He was not aware he was followed as he hurried back to the hotel nor
was he aware that an accurate description of him was in the hands of
the police.

It was Valentine Braund, the American millionaire, who had given
information to the authorities. He had been to Little Trent the day
after Meason left the Sherwood Inn, and a piece of paper found in
Carl's room by Abel Head confirmed his suspicions that the man was Karl
Shultz who he was convinced was the organizer of the explosion at the
Valentine Steel Works. He had asked Head to give him the paper. It
did not appear to be of much importance but the name Mannie Kerrnon was
written on it. Braund knew this was the woman who worked with Shultz,
and his interest became active. He was a determined man and had made
up his mind never to forget Shultz. He had already spent money freely
trying to find him. He left Head very much mystified and proceeded to
interview Tom Thrush.

Thrush recognized him and as usual scented money. Braund proceeded
cautiously, asking all sorts of questions about the country, Mr.
Chesney, and the stud, also speaking of the two matches at Newmarket
which he saw decided.

Tom was completely off his guard and replied with a laugh to his
question as to Jane's marriage:

"I don't think she's done amiss. He seems a good sort of man and he
has money."

"Well, I hope it will turn out all right," said Braund. "Where did
they spend the honeymoon?"

Tom explained. He had heard from Jane. They were at H----.

Braund had some difficulty in restraining his impatience.

"Nice place, isn't it?" he said.

"Quiet, she found it a bit dull; expect they've left by this."

Braund remained with him some littl