, and in a few rapid sentences I told him what had occurred.

It puzzled him greatly.

"I've ascertained that Hartmann is back at Pont Street," he said. "But
why the coffin should be in yonder house is still a mystery. The
Registrar has had no intimation of any death in Brunswick Road for the
past eight months. I've, however, found the local undertaker, who says
that a plain coffin was ordered for a gentleman and that they duly
delivered it. They did not see the body, being told that the funeral was
to be undertaken by a big West End firm, and that the body was to be
conveyed for burial somewhere near Leicester."

"Have you found out anything further regarding the occupants of the
house?"

"No, only that it was taken furnished by a gentleman a month ago--a
foreigner whose description exactly tallies with that of Hartmann--for
an old man and his daughter--both Italians. They've kept themselves very
much to themselves, therefore the neighbours know practically nothing
about their business."

"Well, Nella Emden was enticed in there. I'm certain of that," I said.
"Yet the fact that she's in Liverpool rather negatives my first theory
of foul play," I added.

"Yes. But we must still remain watchful. Vera has gone to make some
inquiries for me over at Mortlake. I expect her back in half an hour.
You return and keep a watchful eye upon the Professor's place. One never
knows what crooked business may be on hand!"

So back I went, and through the whole evening waited there, chilled to
the bone, in vain expectancy.

I had noticed from Ray's manner that he had become very suspicious. He
somehow scented the presence of spies at times when, I confess, I felt
calm and reassured. And his natural intuition was seldom, if ever,
wrong.

The church bells across the river had chimed midnight, the Professor's
servants had put out the lights and retired, and the thoroughfare was
now deserted. Hungry and tired out, I was contemplating relaxing my
vigil when Ray suddenly turned a corner and joined me, saying
breathlessly:

"Uberto and his friend are coming up the hill with another man. Vera and
I have seen them call at Brunswick Road, and they are now on their way
here. We must keep a strict watch. Something is up!"

We separated, and concealing ourselves in the basements of the houses
opposite, we witnessed that which caused our heart-beats to quicken.

The three men came along in silence in the night, for they evidently
wore r