“And therefore,” interrupted Harker with a smile, “that when he and Brake met--as you seem to think they did--Ransford flung Brake through that open doorway; that Collishaw witnessed it, that Ransford's found out about Collishaw, and that Collishaw has been poisoned by Ransford. Eh?” “That's a theory that seems to be supported by facts,” said Bryce. “It's a theory that would doubtless suit men like Mitchington,” said the old detective, with another smile. “But--not me, sir! Mind you, I don't say there isn't something in it--there's doubtless a lot. But--the mystery's a lot thicker than just that. And Brake didn't come here to find Ransford. He came because of the secret in that scrap of paper. And as you've got it, doctor--out with it!” Bryce saw no reason for concealment and producing the scrap of paper laid it on the table between himself and his host. Harker peered inquisitively at it. “Latin!” he said. “You can read it, of course. What does it say?” Bryce repeated a literal translation. “I've found the place,” he added. “I found it this morning. Now, what do you suppose this means?” Harker was looking hard at the two lines of writing. “That's a big question, doctor,” he answered. “But I'll go so far as to say this--when we've found out what it does mean, we shall know a lot more than we know now!” CHAPTER XV. THE DOUBLE OFFER Bryce, who was deriving a considerable and peculiar pleasure from his secret interview with the old detective, smiled at Harker's last remark. “That's a bit of a platitude, isn't it?” he suggested. “Of course we shall know a lot more--when we do know a lot more!” “I set store by platitudes, sir,” retorted Harker. “You can't repeat an established platitude too often--it's got the hallmark of good use on it. But now, till we do know more--you've no doubt been thinking a lot about this matter, Dr. Bryce--hasn't it struck you that there's one feature in connection with Brake, or Braden's visit to Wrychester to which nobody's given any particular attention up to now--so far as we know, at any rate?” “What?” demanded Bryce. “This,” replied Harker. “Why did he wish to see the Duke of Saxonsteade? He certainly did want to see him--and as soon as possible. You'll remember that his Grace was questioned about that at the inquest and could give no explanation--he knew nothing of Brake, and couldn't suggest any reason why Brake should wish to have an interview with him. But--I can!” “You?” exclaimed Bryce. “I,” answered Harker. “And it's this--I spoke just now of that man Glassdale. Now you, of course; have no knowledge of him, and as you don't keep yourself posted in criminal history, you don't know what his offence was?” “You said--forgery?” replied Bryce.