“There’s a Priest’s Hole at Chimneys, I know,” said Virginia. “And I believe there’s a secret staircase as well. Lord Caterham would tell us all about it. What I want to know is, what can they have been looking for?” “It can’t be the Memoirs,” said Anthony. “They’re a great bulky package. It must have been something small.” “George knows, I expect,” said Virginia. “I wonder whether I could get it out of him. All along I’ve felt there was something behind all this.” “You say there was only one man,” pursued Anthony, “but that there might possibly be another, as you thought you heard some one going towards the door as you sprang to the window.” “The sound was very slight,” said Virginia. “It might have been just my imagination.” “That’s quite possible, but in case it wasn’t your imagination the second person must have been an inmate of the house. I wonder now——” “What are you wondering at?” asked Virginia. “The thoroughness of Mr. Hiram Fish who dresses himself completely when he hears screams for help downstairs.” “There’s something in that,” agreed Virginia. “And then there’s Isaacstein who sleeps through it all. That’s suspicious too. Surely he couldn’t?” “There’s that fellow Boris,” suggested Bill. “He looks an unmitigated ruffian. Michael’s servant, I mean.” “Chimneys is full of suspicious characters,” said Virginia. “I dare say the others are just as suspicious of us. I wish Superintendent Battle hadn’t gone to London. I think it’s rather stupid of him. By the way, Mr. Cade, I’ve seen that peculiar-looking Frenchman about once or twice, spying round the park.” “It’s a mix up,” confessed Anthony. “I’ve been away on a wild-goose chase. Made a thorough ass of myself. Look here, to me the whole question seems to resolve itself into this: Did the men find what they were looking for last night?” “Supposing they didn’t?” said Virginia. “I’m pretty sure they didn’t, as a matter of fact.” “Just this, I believe they’ll come again. They know, or they soon will know, that Battle’s in London. They’ll take the risk and come again to-night.” “Do you really think so?” “It’s a chance. Now we three will form a little syndicate. Eversleigh and I will conceal ourselves with due precautions in the Council Chamber——” “What about me?” interrupted Virginia. “Don’t think you’re going to leave me out of it.” “Listen to me, Virginia,” said Bill. “This is man’s work——” “Don’t be an idiot, Bill. I’m in on this. Don’t you make any mistake about it. The syndicate will keep watch to-night.” It was settled thus, and the details of the plan were laid. After the party had retired to bed, first one and then another of the syndicate crept down. They were all armed with powerful electric torches, and in the pocket of Anthony’s coat lay a revolver.