up to it by someone,
probably that Merriman. Hold on a minute and I'll read it to you." Then
followed Madeleine's letter.

Archer's reply was short but lurid, and Willis, not withstanding the
seriousness of the matter, could not help smiling.

There was a pause, and then Archer asked:

"When did you get that?"

"Now, when we got in; but Benson tells me the letter has been waiting
for me for three days."

"You might read it again."

Beamish did so, and presently Archer went on:

"In my opinion, we needn't be unduly alarmed. Of course she may know
something, but I fancy it's what you say; that Merriman is getting her
to put up a bluff. But it'll take thinking over. I have an appointment
presently, and in any case we couldn't discuss it adequately over the
telephone. We must meet. Could you come up to my house tonight?"

"Yes, if you think it wise?"

"It's not wise, but I think we must risk it. You're not known here. But
come alone; Benson shouldn't attempt it."

"Right. What time?"

"What about nine? I often work in the evenings, and I'm never disturbed.
Come round to my study window and I shall be there. Tap lightly. The
window is on the right-hand side of the house as you come up the drive,
the fourth from the corner. You can slip round to it in the shadow of
the bushes, and keep on the grass the whole time."

"Right. Nine o'clock, then."

The switch of the telephone clicked, and presently Willis saw Archer
reappear in his office.

The inspector was disappointed. He had hoped that the conspirators would
have completed their plans over the telephone, and that he would have
had nothing to do but listen to what they arranged. Now he saw that if
he were to gain the information he required, it would mean a vast deal
more trouble, and perhaps danger as well.

He felt that at all costs he must be present at the interview in
Archer's study, but the more he thought about it, the more difficult the
accomplishment of this seemed. He was ignorant of the plan of the house,
or what hiding-places, if any, there might be in the study, nor could
he think of any scheme by which he could gain admittance. Further, there
was but little time in which to make inquiries or arrangements, as he
could not leave his present retreat until dark, or say six o'clock. He
saw the problem would be one of the most difficult he had ever faced.

But the need for solving it was paramount, and when darkness had set
in he let himself out