the
members of the syndicate of complicity in Mr. Coburn's death, but I
can't prove it. I have thought out a plan which may or may not produce
this proof. It is in this that I want your help."

"Mr. Inspector," cried Madeleine reproachfully, "need you ask for it?"

Willis laughed.

"I don't think so. But I can't very well come in and command it, you
know."

"Of course you can," Madeleine returned. "You know very well that in
such a cause Mr. Merriman and I would do anything."

"I believe it, and I am going to put you to the test. I'll tell you
my idea. It has occurred to me that these people might be made to give
themselves away. Suppose they had one of their private meetings to
discuss the affairs of the syndicate, and that, unknown to them,
witnesses could be present to overhear what was said. Would there not at
least be a sporting chance that they would incriminate themselves?"

"Yes!" said Merriman, much interested. "Likely enough. But I don't see
how you could arrange that."

Willis smiled slightly.

"I think it might be managed," he answered. "If a meeting were to take
place we could easily learn where it was to be held and hear what went
on. But the first point is the difficulty--the question of the holding
of the meeting. In the ordinary course there might be none for months.
Therefore we must take steps to have one summoned. And that," he turned
to Madeleine, "is where I want your help."

His hearers stared, mystified, and Willis resumed.

"Something must happen of such importance to the welfare of the
syndicate that the leaders will decide that a full conference of the
members is necessary. So far as I can see, you alone can cause that
something to happen. I will tell you how. But I must warn you that I
fear it will rake up painful memories."

Madeleine, her lips parted, was hanging on his words.

"Go on," she said quickly, "we have settled all that."

"Thank you," said Willis, taking a sheet of paper from his pocket. "I
have here the draft of a letter which I want you to write to Captain
Beamish. You can phrase it as you like; in fact I want it in your own
words. Read it over and you will understand."

The draft ran as follows:

"SILVERDALE ROAD,

"EASTBOURNE.

"DEAR CAPTAIN BEAMISH,--In going over some papers belonging to my late
father, I learn to my surprise that he was not a salaried official of
your syndicate, but a partner. It seems to me, therefore, that as his
heir I am entitled