ion, based upon
circumstantial evidence, "crowner's quests" were a form of legal
absurdity.

The train journey to Liverpool Street was undertaken almost in silence,
as far as the four travellers were concerned. Hawke buried himself in
his paper; Ferret was poring over some document found in von Ruhle's
pocket-book, trying to unravel the complex code that, if deciphered,
would be of the utmost importance to the country. Ross and Vernon,
still feeling tired, tried to make up for arrears of sleep.

Taking a taxi across London, they were just in time to catch the Great
Western express, which would take them to Taunton. Arriving at that
place, they changed into a slow train that eventually landed them at
the little Somersetshire town nestling under the Black Down Hills.

Without delay the party proceeded to the regimental depot. Enquiries
for Captain Ramblethorne, R.A.M.C., only resulted in looks of
perplexity. He was unknown to the authorities.

"But we heard from St. Bedal that Captain Ramblethorne was ordered to
Wellington for recruiting duties," persisted Hawke.

The orderly-room clerk smiled sadly.

"Are you quite sure that it was this Wellington?" he asked. "We've had
similar mistakes before."

Detective-inspector Hawke felt like kicking himself. He, too, was
aware of the existence of the Shropshire Wellington, but, without
giving the possibility any consideration, he had rashly jumped to the
conclusion that the place to which Ramblethorne had been appointed was
the one nearest to St. Bedal.

Sorrowfully the four marched out of the office. More delay ensued
while a wire was dispatched to St. Bedal, asking for further details.

It took two hours before the reply came. "Regret not to have added
Salop to Captain Ramblethorne's address.--C.O."

"It's a long lane that has no turning," observed Ferret as they made
for the railway station.

Hawke bit his lip. He knew that had the spy been warned promptly he
might be out of the country by this time.

It was dark when, after a tedious journey, the four travellers alighted
at Wellington, Salop. Here, guarded enquiries elicited the information
that Captain Ramblethorne had gone to Bridgnorth to examine men "roped
in" at a recruiting meeting. He had left for Bridgnorth two hours
previously.

"There are no trains to-night," announced Hawke. "We'll have to get a
car."

Ten minutes later, Ross and his companions were speeding over the
horribly rough an