for Europe on the
_Aquitania_, upon a certain date; and whether the pair had been living
together before Mrs. Brandreth left for Europe.

When news came confirming Gaby's story, and, a little later, mentioning
that Mrs. Brandreth had returned from abroad, Ralston said: "I knew it
would be so. There's nothing more to do." But I felt that there was a
great deal more to do; and I was bent on doing it. The next thing was to
induce Jim to let me do it.

To my first proposition he agreed willingly. Now that I had shot my
bolt, there was no longer any objection to employing detectives against
the Jenningses. Indeed, there was a strong incentive. If their guilt
could be proved, Ralston Murray would not be quite insane enough to keep
Paul on as his doctor.

We both liked the idea of putting my old friend Mr. Smith on to the
case, and applied to him upon our own responsibility, without a word to
Murray. But this was nothing compared with my second suggestion. I
wanted to rush over to America and see for myself whether Rosemary was
living in Washington as the wife of Guy Brandreth.

"What! You'd leave me here, and go across the Atlantic without me on a
wild-goose chase?" Jim shouted.

"Who said anything about my going without you?" I retorted. "Oh, darling
Man, _do_ take me!"

That settled it: and as soon as the thing was decided, we were both keen
to start. Our one cause for hesitation was fear for Ralston Murray's
safety, now that he had so recklessly flung himself into Paul Jennings'
hands. Still, in the circumstances, we could do little good if we stayed
at home. Ralston had shut himself up, refusing to see any one--including
ourselves. His mental state was bad enough to sap his newly restored
health, even if I did Doctor Paul Jennings a grave injustice; and Mr.
Smith could watch the Jenningses better than we could.

I did take the precaution to write Sir Beverley that his late patient
had fallen into the clutches of the Merriton doctor, and beg him to call
at the Manor some day, declining to take 'no' for an answer if he were
refused at the door: and then we sailed. It was on the _Aquitania_
again, and every moment brought back some recollection of Rosemary and
Ralston Murray.

We travelled straight to Washington after landing, and were met at the
station by the young detective Jim's friend had engaged. He had
collected the information we needed for the beginning of our campaign,
and had bought tickets for the first