"Not at all. We must look at all possibilities. Madoc hated your father and doubtless hated you also as the son of your father. If he could have done you out of the inheritance by murdering you, I don't see why he should have held his hand." "But you don't know the man's character," protested Hench. "He may have been a very harmless person." "A very cunning and plotting person, anyhow," said Vane quickly. "Else, why the carefully worded advertisement and the strange place chosen for the meeting. No, Owain, my conjecture may be wild, but there is some truth in it, I am sure. Madoc intended to get rid of you, and your lucky stars led some one to get rid of him, before you appeared on the scene." "My lucky stars," said Hench, rising. "How can you say that, when I am in danger of being arrested for his death?" "There is no danger just now, until Madame Alpenny moves. And when she does move we may be able to counterplot her." "She will move as soon as I enter into my inheritance." "I know that. Therefore, if I were you, I should not take up my inheritance just yet." "How can I prevent that? Gilberry & Gilberry will take immediate steps to place me in possession, and the business is sure to get into the newspapers. Then Madame Alpenny will see that I am rich and come to bother me." "Of course. But you can tell Gilberry & Gilberry to hold over action until you learn who murdered your uncle. Once you find the true assassin you will be safe from the malice of Madame Alpenny and all other people." "Oh, there is no one can spot me but Madame Alpenny," said Owain confidentially. "Not even Spruce?" asked Vane significantly. "Certainly not. He knows nothing about my affairs." "You told me that he knew about the papers you were to see on your twenty-fifth birthday?" "Oh, yes. But those papers won't connect me with Uncle Madoc's death. Only the advertisement can do that, and I don't suppose Spruce has set eyes on it." "Let us hope not," said Vane uneasily. "But since he heard the name Rhaiadr when the meeting with your father was explained by Madame Alpenny, he certainly might put two and two together if he did see the advertisement. And if the old woman saw it, why shouldn't Spruce see it?" "My dear Jim, why manufacture trouble, when we have enough to deal with as things stand? If Spruce does get on the trail, I shall deal with him very promptly, I assure you. I'm not afraid of that little rat." "Rats can be dangerous, Owain, and Spruce is a meddlesome animal always on the make. You with your ten thousand a year would be a god-send to him. Now, if you will take my advice----" "What is it?"