ent by the nine train."

"The same train as I went by," interposed Giles.

"Are you sure?" said Steel, and Giles fancied he saw a smile play round
his rather full lips.

"Yes, sir. Mr. Morley on the evening he went away called at the Priory
and had a quarrel with Mr. Franklin, sir. They came to blows, sir, and
Mr. Franklin's leg is broken."

"Then he has not left Rickwell?"

"No, sir. He's laid up with the broken leg and his daughter is nursing
him. He's awful bad, I've been told, sir, by Mrs. Parry."

Giles could not help laughing at the introduction of the good lady's
name. She seemed to be mixed up with everything. He could not be sorry
for Denham, as he was only meeting with his deserts. "But Anne--where
can she be?" he asked Steel, as they stepped into the cart.

"I wish I knew," said Steel gloomily. "I had an idea that Morley was
playing me false."

"Do you think he is in league with Denham?"

"I am sure of it. That is the portion of the case of which I have not
spoken to you. You'll hear what Denham says. Now that Morley has left
him in the lurch Denham will reveal Morley's connection with these
matters. But Morley has secured a hostage in the person of Miss Anne. He
has taken her away somewhere. His wife may know of his whereabouts.
After we have seen Denham we'll speak of her."

"Since when have you had suspicions of Morley?"

"Since I investigated this Scarlet Cross case. I have found one or two
of the gang who, like Dane, are willing to turn King's evidence to save
themselves. It was one of them called Scott who told me of Dane's coming
on the motor-bicycle to Rickwell. But later on you shall hear all. Let
me round off the case by arresting Denham." Here Steel scratched his
head and smiled ruefully. "But I fear the case will not be finished till
Morley is caught, and where am I to look for him? I wish I had had him
watched. He has been too clever for me. I might have known. As Joe Bart
he was one of the smartest detectives in London."

After this speech Steel began to think, and as he seemed impatient of
interruption, Giles said nothing. In due time they arrived at the door
of the Priory. It was close on five o'clock. Steel rang the bell, and as
he did so a couple of policemen came round the corner for orders. Steel
told them to wait in the hall while he saw Denham. "I don't think he can
show fight with a broken leg," said Steel grimly.

As he spoke the door opened. Portia with her freckled fac