"I quite see that," was the thoughtful rejoinder. "But you must not forget, sir, that we in Scotland Yard are bound by rules of procedure. Perhaps you will not mind my suggesting that a word from you to the Foreign Office might induce the authorities to communicate officially with the Home Department, and then instructions could be issued to the police which would leave the matter a little more open than we are able to regard it under the existing conditions." "I will see to that," said the barrister. "When does the inquest take place?" "This evening at six." "It will be adjourned, of course?" "Oh, yes; no evidence will be given beyond that necessary for purposes of identification, and this can be supplied by the police themselves and an official from the Turkish Embassy." "Very well. You will mention to no one the theory I have just explained to you?" "Not if you wish it, sir." "I do wish it at present. Which way are you going?" "Straight to the Yard." "In that case I will accompany you a portion of the distance." They had now reached Hyde Park Corner, and, hailing a hansom, Brett told the driver to stop outside the Carlton Hotel. The man whipped up his horse and drove in the direction of Constitution Hill, evidently intending to avoid the congested traffic of Piccadilly and take the longer, but more pleasant, route through the Green Park and the Mall. "By the way," said Brett, "did the driver of the hansom which conveyed Mr. Talbot and his companion from Albert Gate on Monday night tell you which road he followed?" "Yes," said the detective, "he went this way." Brett rubbed his hands, with a queer expression of thoughtful pleasure on his keen face. "Ah," he said, "I like that. It is well to be on the scent." He did not explain to his professional _confrère_ that it was a positive stimulant to his abounding energy and highly-strung nerves to find that he was actually following the path taken by the criminal whom he was pursuing. The mere fact lent reality to the chase. For a mile, at any rate, there could be no mistake, though he might expect a check at the Carlton. Arrived there, Brett alighted. "Are you going to make any inquiries in the hotel, sir?" said Mr. Winter. "Why should I?" said Brett. "You have already ascertained from the management that no person even remotely resembling any of the parties concerned is staying at the hotel." "Yes, confound it, I know I did," cried the other, "but I never told you so." "That is all right," laughed Brett. "Come and see me at my chambers this evening when the inquest is finished. Perhaps by that time we may be able to determine our plan of action."