e therefore went to
the Raven Bar in Ferriby, knocked up the landlord, and by paying four
or five times the proper amount, managed to get a meal and some food for
the next day. Then he returned to the deserted cottage, he let himself
in, closed the door behind him, and lying down on the floor with his
head on his arm, fell asleep.

Next morning found him back at his post at the broken window, with the
telephone receiver at his ear. His surmise at the meaning of Archer's
remark at the study window proved to be correct, for precisely at eleven
he heard the familiar: "Are you there?" which heralded a conversation.
Then Beamish's voice went on:

"I have talked this business over with Benson, and he makes a SUGGESTION
which I think is an improvement on our plan. He thinks we should have
our general meeting in London immediately after I have interviewed
Madeleine Coburn. The advantage of this scheme would be that if we found
she possessed really serious knowledge, we could immediately consider
our next move, and I could, if necessary, see her again that night.
Benson thinks I should fix up a meeting with her at say 10.30 or 11,
that I could then join you at lunch at 1.30, after which we could
discuss my report, and I could see the girl again at 4 or 5 o'clock. It
seems to me a sound scheme. What do you say?"

"It has advantages," Archer answered slowly. "If you both think it best,
I'm quite agreeable. Where then should the meetings be held?"

"In the case of Miss Coburn there would be no change in our last night's
arrangement; a private sitting-room at the Gresham would still do
excellently. If you're going to town you could fix up some place for our
own meeting--preferably close by."

"Very well, I'm going up on Tuesday in any case, and I'll arrange
something. I shall let Benson know, and he can tell you and the others.
I think we should all go up by separate trains. I shall probably go by
the 5.3 from Hull on the evening before. Let's see, when will you be in
again?"

"Monday week about midday, I expect. Benson could go up that morning,
Bulla and I separately by the 4, and Fox, Henri, and Raymond, if he
comes, by the first train next morning. How would that do?"

"All right, I think. The meetings then will be on Tuesday at 11 and
1.30, Benson to give you the address of the second. We can arrange at
the meeting about returning to Hull."

"Righto," Beamish answered shortly, and the conversation ended.

Willis for o