The following morning Poole had a long interview with Sir Leward Marradine and Chief Inspector Barrod, reporting the result of his visit to the Victory Finance Company’s office, his interviews with Mr. Blagge, Miss Saverel, and Captain Wraile—especially the relationship between the two last, and his failure to get in touch with Travers Lessingham. In his turn he learnt of Sir Leward’s interview with the Chairman of the Company and particularly of Sir Hunter’s declaration as to Wraile’s experience of such weapons as cross-bows—a regular genius in inventing devilments of that kind, Sir Hunter had reported his late Brigade Major to have been. As a result of the discussion that followed it was decided that warrants should be issued against Captain and Mrs. Wraile, to be executed in the event of Poole being able to break down their alibis, but that nothing definite could yet be charged against Lessingham; a good deal must depend on Sergeant Gower’s report and Poole’s subsequent interview. A statement from one or both of the Wrailes after arrest might, of course, implicate Lessingham, but Poole doubted if either of them was the type to give away a friend. “And young Fratten?” asked Barrod. “What about him?” “Oh surely you’re not still after him?” said Sir Leward, who was hoping to return to favour in Queen Anne’s Gate. “He’s cleared by the exposure of this Wraile conspiracy, isn’t he?” “More likely to be in it,” growled Barrod. “Don’t forget that Poole saw him coming away from the Victory Finance offices the other day.” “Fallows reports he’s been quite quiet lately, sir,” interposed Poole. “He hasn’t tried to give him the slip again. I haven’t forgotten about him though, sir—I’m trying to see where he fits in. There’s someone else I’m not quite happy about either.” “Eh, who’s that?” “Mr. Hessel, sir; if the Wrailes had the close-fitting time-table I think they had it seems to me more than a coincidence that Sir Garth should have walked right into it; I can’t help thinking that he was led into it.” Sir Leward whistled. Barrod was silent. “Have you questioned him since you had that idea in your head?” “No, sir; it’s only very hazy—and I’ve been afraid of putting him on his guard prematurely. It’s only since yesterday that I’ve realized just how close the Wraile alibi must be. Shall I see him again?” It was agreed that Poole should interview Hessel that morning and try to probe the latter’s possible connection with the Wrailes and Lessingham. At one o’clock he was to be back at the Yard in expectation of a telephone call from Sergeant Gower in Brussels; at three he was to interview Buntle, the club waiter. It looked like being another full day.