“Detective-sergeant Grey, sir,” was the reply. “You know we traced him as far as Pinham Heights. After that he seems to have been lost sight of.” “Have you notified the chief constables of Hampshire, Sussex and Surrey?” asked T.B. “That has been done, sir,” said the officer. “The local constabulary are making a search.” T.B. bit his lips. “I can understand Mr. Pretherston going,” he said, “but what has happened to Barr?” His subordinate very wisely offered no solution. There were other anxious enquirers. Moya Felton had called that morning. Sir Ralph had made two visits to headquarters though it was doubtful whether his anxiety was in any way associated with the well being of Michael Pretherston. “I think Michael will find the gang,” said T.B., “though he may be too late to get the gold.” “What do I want the gang for?” demanded Sir Ralph wrathfully. “Will the government give me £2,800,000 for them? The gang can go to the devil so far as I am concerned. I want the gold.” “You may get neither,” said T.B.; “at any rate, it ought to be very pleasing to you, Sir Ralph, that Michael Pretherston is risking his life to recover your property.” “Isn’t he paid to do it?” demanded Sir Ralph. “Isn’t that the job of a policeman? By Gad! Commissioner, one would imagine that Pretherston was doing something out of the common! I take risks every day of my life.” “If you could see my mind,” said T.B. Smith suavely, “you would realize that you are taking the biggest risk you have taken to-day. I advise you to go home and get into a calmer frame of mind.” “When shall I hear anything?” asked the truculent baronet. “Whenever you are within earshot,” snapped the Commissioner. “Show Sir Ralph out, constable.” Lord Flanborough did not obtrude his enquiries. He was so far reconciled to Moya that he could discuss the matter dispassionately, without reference to the _mésalliance_ which threatened his family. “I think on the whole, Moya,” he said, “I had better not see Ralph. After all, business is business and friends are friends; but I disclaim all responsibility for that gold after it left the ship. It is Ralph’s business entirely and I simply won’t accept his suggestion that I share his responsibility to the slightest degree.” “Will he have to bear the loss?”