“The traffic around here between ten and midnight is not very numerous,” said Dick; “but if you have the illusion that Red Farm is your property, it is quite understandable that your car should be parked there. What is the game, Gilder?” He was conscious that the man’s eyes were peering at him. “I don’t know what you mean by ‘game.’ Is it unlawful to admire a moonlight view?” “It is unlawful to trespass on my brother’s property,” said Dick. “May I repeat my question: What is the game?” “I don’t understand you. Do you mind letting me get through that gate? I am going home.” Dick Alford descended from the gate slowly and pushed it open. “You are a suspicious character, Gilder.” The man snapped round at him. “What the devil do you mean?” “Just what I say. You are a suspicious character. It is very suspicious to find you loafing around Fossaway Park at this hour of the night, particularly after certain things which have happened recently.” “Do you think I am the Black Abbot?” sneered the man, and Dick’s chuckle came from the darkness. “There are many interesting possibilities about you, Gilder. What did you expect to find in the Abbey?” “I tell you I was merely admiring the view by moonlight. If that is an offence you can bring me before a bench of magistrates.” Dick, his hands in his pockets, stood watching the man as he switched on the lights of the car and started it. “The place to admire the ruins is from the crest of the hill, not from the ruin itself,” he said. “If you had been a normal admirer you would never have been out of sight. May I also suggest that it wasn’t necessary to switch off your lights or to hide your car--the best view of the Abbey is from the upper road. Gilder, you had better be careful.” “Is that a threat?” “It is a warning,” said Dick. “And a man as clever as you would not lightly despise such a warning. By the way, my solicitors are starting an action to-morrow to set aside your agreement with Farmer Leonard. I am hoping that you will not involve yourself in the expense of defending the action.” “That is a matter that I shall discuss with your lawyers,” said Gilder, as he started the car. Dick watched the machine as it waddled over the furrows and turned on to the road, and followed it out, closing the gate behind it. “Do you know anything about racing, Gilder?” Gilder turned with a jerk. Was this man privy to his secrets? “I know a little--why?” “Do you know what a warning-off notice is?” Gilder stared at him open-mouthed. “Yes, it is a notice issued by the Jockey Club warning people off Newmarket Heath.” “Splendid!” said Dick. “Will you take a warning-off notice from me? I warn you off Willow House and all that is contained therein!” “And if I don’t accept the warning?” “You’ll be sorry, as I’ve remarked before,” said Dick. Gilder jammed in his clutch and the car jerked forward with a whine, and soon its tail lights had disappeared round the end of the road. XX