Already it had been arranged that Miss Berengaria should keep an eye on Michael--who never expected to be arrested--so Conniston had no need to return to the Bower. Mounting his horse he took his way along the high-road to the castle, and arrived there somewhere about two o'clock. As there was no one about the place he put up the horse himself, and then came to the front door. Much to his surprise it was locked, but a vigorous ringing of the bell brought Mrs. Moon to the door. That estimable lady looked worried, and her pallid face was whiter than ever, gleaming like the moon itself from the frilling of her cap. When she saw her master, she lifted up her large hands. "Goodness be praised your lordship has come," said she, with a moan and groan combined in a most extraordinary way. "Have you seen my wicked Victoria, your lordship?" "No. Has she gone away?" "Last night," said Mrs. Moon, drifting into the hall. "Bless your lordship dear, she went away before ten o'clock in her best things, saying she would be back. And not an eye have I set on her since. But then I expect the coming of Jerry upset her." "Jerry!" shouted Conniston, throwing down his cap. "Did you say that Jerry was here?" "Yes. He's here, your lordship, and he has sent Mr. Grant mad. As soon as Jerry set eyes on Mr. Grant last night, when he come at nine o'clock, he had his hair standing on end. Mr. Grant, he was amazed-like also, and took Jerry to his room. There he have kept him locked up, and wished to send a messenger to your dear lordship, and----" Conniston waited to hear no more. He tore up the stairs two at a time, and burst red-faced and excited into Bernard's sitting-room. His friend had already heard his hasty footsteps, and was on his feet staring at the door. "I'm glad you've come, Conniston," he said breathlessly. "That boy Jerry is here, and I've locked him up in case he should get away and tell Beryl." "Beryl has his hands full at present," said Conniston, grimly. "As to Judas, he's wanted by the police." "The dickens! What for?" "For trying to poison Michael Gilroy!" Bernard stared. "Michael Gilroy? Where is he?" "At Miss Plantagenet's. It's a long story. I'll tell it to you as soon as I can get my breath. Where's Jerry?" "Shut up in an empty room," said Bernard. "He came last night at nine or thereabouts. I was outside the castle door and saw him coming. I did not know it was him until I stepped into the hall. When Jerry saw me, his hair rose on end, and he appeared to be frightened out of his life." "As he well may be," muttered Conniston.