"Well, it was my clever brain that gave me the tip," said Spruce coolly. "That conversation in which the word 'Rhaiadr' was used gave me the idea that the old woman knew something about you. I watched her and followed her when she went away. She came down here and saw Evans at the Grange. I waited until she got home later, and then told her that I had followed her. She was so alarmed lest you should know of the visit--as your doing so would have upset the apple-cart--that she told me about the advertisement. When it appeared I saw it and made sure that you would obey it. I followed you to that hotel near the British Museum, but you left there and I lost sight of you. Therefore I lay low until I got evidence of your visit to Cookley on the night of the first of July. I saw all about the murder in the newspapers and believed that you were guilty. But I was not sure until I went to-day to the Bull Inn and questioned that girl about the supposed tramp. From what she said, vague as her description was, I knew that you were the tramp in question, so came on here to let you know. I believe that you asked the way to the Gipsy Stile and went straight there to murder your uncle." "Oh!" said Owain, unmoved. "Am I the sort of person to murder an old man?" "I don't say that you killed him in cold blood," replied Spruce hastily. "You doubtless had a quarrel and stabbed him before you knew what you were about." "One moment, Spruce. I am not in the habit of carrying about carving-knives to kill people. And I had no reason to kill my uncle, as at the time I did not know that he was any relation." "Oh, he told you that at the time you met him." "I never met him. I found him dead." Spruce started up in a fury and snatched at his hat. "What's the use of your dodging in this way. I say that you murdered him, and if you don't promise to pay me two thousand a year and secure the same to me by deed, I shall go to the police and procure your arrest. You know I can do it." "You can. I fully admit that just now you are top-dog," said Hench in quite a bland way. "And you are willing to condone my felony for the money?" "Yes! You can kill the whole population of Cookley for all I care." "Oh, I quite understand that. Well, to-night I shall say nothing. You must give me one week to consider matters." "I don't mind,"--Spruce made for the door with a shrug,--"but don't you try and bolt or I shall put the police on to you." "Naturally! You have made everything perfectly clear to me. Good-night." Spruce walked into the passage and opened the outside door. "Remember," he said. "Good-night," repeated Hench, and shut the door in the face of the blackmailer. CHAPTER XVIII HENCH'S DIPLOMACY