"For a time. Then I fancy his suspicions must have been aroused by the red light, and by my stopping for a moment. I lost him, or he lost me in the fog, and then, instead of returning to my lodgings in Pimlico, I made for Limehouse Docks. I heard next morning of the death." "Why didn't you then come to The Home of Art?" "What was the good, sir," remonstrated Pentreddle. "I should only have been knifed by those Japanese, and there would have been two murders instead of one. No, sir; I wasn't such a fool, as my going to The Home of Art wouldn't have brought my mother back to life. I bunked over to Amsterdam and lay low. Then I read in the papers how Miss Carrol had been robbed of the gem." Colpster nodded. "You should have returned then." "It was of no use, sir," said the sailor gloomily. "I knew that the emerald must have got back into the hands of the priests, and that they would return to Kitzuki, in Japan. I was certain, and I am now, that the big man with the scar on his cheek stabbed my mother, so I waited for the ship I told you about to go back to Japan and kill him. Then Isa wrote me and said if you saw me you could help me. But," Pentreddle looked at the emerald, "it seems to me that things are more muddled up than ever. Here is the Mikado Jewel, but where are the priests?" Colpster pinched his nether lip and looked perplexed. "I can't say. By the way, Theodore met you in London?" "Yes, sir. By chance in Pimlico." "Why didn't you give him the emerald?" "Why?" Harry looked astonished. "Because it was to prevent Mr. Theodore becoming your heir that my mother took all this trouble, and so met with her death." He rose to his feet. "I'll go now, sir." The Squire rose also, "Yes, unless you prefer to stay here for the night." "No, sir. I want to get back to Hendle. I'll come and see you again if you want to hear more." "I think it will be as well. I should like you to repeat this story in the presence of my nephews. Meanwhile, good-night," and the Squire, having shaken hands with the sailor, sent him away. He wished to be alone to think over things, and while doing so he put away the Mikado Jewel in the safe. Ten minutes later he returned to the drawing-room. "Where is Count Akira?" "Akira was tired and went early to bed," said Basil. "I'm off too, uncle." CHAPTER XVI LOVERS