have it at
his own place and so save rail carriage from Ferriby. That would put
the syndicate in a hole. They couldn't let any of the faked props out of
their possession, and if they agreed to Leatham's proposal they'd have
to separate out the faked props from the genuine, and keep the faked
aboard. On their way back from Leatham's they would have to call at
Ferriby to put these faked ones ashore, and if we are not utter fools
we should surely be able to get hold of them then. What do you think,
Hilliard?"

Hilliard smote his thigh.

"Bravo!" he cried with enthusiasm. "I think it's just splendid. But is
there any chance your friend would take a cargo? It's rather a large
order, you know. What would it run into? Four or five thousand pounds?"

"Why shouldn't he? He has to buy props anyway, and these are good props
and they would be as cheap as any he could get elsewhere. Taking them at
his own wharf would be good business. Besides, 7,000 props is not a big
thing for a group of mines. There are a tremendous lot used."

"That's true."

"But the syndicate may not agree," Merriman went on. "And yet I think
they will. It would look suspicious for them to refuse so good an
offer."

Hilliard nodded. Then a further idea seemed to strike him and he sat up
suddenly.

"But, Merriman, old man," he exclaimed, "you've forgotten one thing.
If they sent a cargo of that kind they'd send only genuine props. They
wouldn't risk the others."

But Merriman was not cast down.

"I dare say you're right," he admitted, "but we can easily prevent that.
Suppose Leatham arranges for a cargo for some indefinite date ahead,
then on the day after the Girondin leaves France he goes to Ferriby and
says some other consignment has failed him, and could they let him have
the next cargo? That would meet the case, wouldn't it?"

"By Jove, Merriman, but you're developing the detective instinct and no
mistake! I think the scheme's worth trying anyway. How can you get in
touch with your friend?"

"I'll phone him now that we shall be over tomorrow to see him."

Leatham was just leaving his office when Merriman's call reached him.

"Delighted to see you and meet your friend," he answered. "But couldn't
you both come over now and stay the night? You would be a perfect
godsend to me, for Hilda's in London and I have the house to myself."

Merriman thanked him, and later on the two friends took the 6.35 train
to Ellerby. Leatham's car was waiting fo