er, and so does
he. It must be understood that nobody here is going to hear anything
about us till we come back again. If you want me very urgently, you
must telegraph to New Scotland Yard, where my direction will be
known, but nowhere else. And look after yourself sharply too. Don't
run any needless risks on trust. You may be in danger and certainly
will be if you get on the scent."

Two days later the book lover and Peter were taking a steamer for
Varenna, whence they would entrain for Milan and so return to
England. The meeting of Signor Poggi and Mr. Ganns afforded
exquisite satisfaction to Albert, and Peter did not cloud his
pleasure with any allusion to the future until the following
morning. Then, having expressed his enthusiasm for Virgilio and his
hope of better acquaintance on their return, the American broke to
Albert their immediate departure. He anticipated some protest, but
Mr. Redmayne was too logical to make any.

"I asked you to solve this enigma," he said, "and I am the last to
question your methods of so doing. That you will get to the bottom
of these horrid mysteries, Peter, I am quite certain. It is a
conviction with me that you are going to explain everything; but I
shall support your operations and if you hold it necessary that I go
to England, of course, dear friend, I go. You must not, however,
count upon me for any practical assistance. It is entirely contrary
to my nature to take an active part in this campaign. To put any
enterprise or adventure upon me would be to ask for failure."

"Fear nothing at all," answered Ganns. "I don't want you to do
anything whatever but lie low and amuse yourself. The danger may
follow you, or it may not; but my only wish is to come between you
and danger, Albert, and keep you under my own eyes. For the rest
we'll hide our tracks. Get Jenny to pack your portmanteau for a ten
days' tour. If all's well, you'll be home again at the end of next
week."

The morning of departure swiftly arrived and while Mr. Redmayne gave
final instructions to his niece, Peter and Mark walked the landing
stage as the paddle steamer, _Pliny_, came thudding across from
Bellagio to take the travellers on the first stage of their journey.
Brendon defined the position.

"It stands thus," he said. "You strongly suspect Doria of being in
collusion with another man, but doubt whether the other man is
really Robert Redmayne. What you want me to do is to watch Doria and
see if I can sur