taxi and
ran out along the Ferriby road until they met a large blue lorry loaded
with barrels and bearing on its side the legend "Ackroyd & Holt Ltd,
Licensed Rectifiers." When it had lumbered past on its way to the city,
Hunt called to the driver and ordered him to follow it.

The chase led to the heart of the town, ending in a street which ran
parallel to the Humber Dock. There the big machine turned in to an
entry.

"The Anchor Bar," Hunt said, in satisfied tones. "We're in luck. It's
one of the largest licensed houses in Hull."

He jumped out and disappeared after the lorry, Willis following. The
vehicle had stopped in a yard at the back of the great public house,
where were more barrels than the inspector ever remembered having seen
together, while the smell of various liquors hung heavy in the air.
Hunt, having shown his credentials, demanded the certificate for the
consignment. This was immediately produced by the driver, scrutinized,
and found in order. Hunt then proceeded to examine the consignment
itself, and Willis was lost in admiration at the rapidity as well as
the thoroughness of his inspection. He tested the nature of the various
liquids, measured their receptacles, took drippings in each cask, and
otherwise satisfied himself as to the quality and quantity. Finally
he had a look over the lorry, then expressing himself satisfied, he
endorsed the certificate, and with a few civil words to the men in
charge, the two detectives took their leave.

"That's all square anyway," Hunt remarked, as they reentered their taxi.
"I suppose we may go and do the same thing again."

They did. Three times more on that day, and four times on the next day
they followed Messrs. Ackroyd & Holt's lorries, in every instance with
the same result. All eight consignments were examined with the utmost
care, and all were found to be accurately described on the accompanying
certificate. The certificates themselves were obviously genuine, and
everything about them, so far as Hunt could see, was in order.

"Doesn't look as if we are going to get it that way," he commented, as
late that second evening they sat once more discussing matters in their
private sitting-room.

"Don't you think you have frightened them into honesty by our
persistence?" Willis queried.

"No doubt," the other returned. "But that couldn't apply to the first
few trips. They couldn't possibly have foretold that we should examine
those consignments yesterda