Johnson paused, not quite knowing what to say next. Willet looked at him inquiringly, but meeting with no response exhibited signs of injured dignity. "Look here, old man, it ain't my business to pry into secrets that don't concern me. But I helped you a goodish bit in that quarter, and I don't think you need be so devilish close." Johnson goaded himself to speech; if he was to retain his cousin's friendship he must say something. And the man spoke the truth; he had helped him to the extent of making the preliminaries very easy. "Now, look here, laddie, I should like to tell you everything. You helped me a lot, but on my honour I can't do it. Large interests and great people are affected in the matter. But I will tell you this much, and you must believe me or not, as you please: I found her ladyship right enough, only to discover that I was on the wrong scent. Now and again, you know, we do make bloomers at the Yard." Mr Willet's affability was at once restored by this frank and manly statement. "Say no more, old man; mum's the word. Fill up, to show there's no ill-feeling." Johnson filled up, and drank his relative's health with becoming cordiality. He wanted something more out of him yet. "So far as Lady Wrenwyck is concerned. I've no further use for her. But I haven't quite done with all the people in the Wrenwyck house itself. Only this time I'm on another track altogether." Willet's eyes bulged out of his head with curiosity, but he knew from experience that wild horses would not drag out of Johnson anything that astute detective had made up his mind to conceal. "I suppose it's the old man you're after, this time?" he hazarded. "Guessed right the first time, old chap. I want to have a few minutes' conversation with his lordship. That's why I wrote asking you if you knew anything of his movements." "By gad! you are a deep 'un," cried Willet admiringly. "Thanks," said Johnson easily, but it was plain to see the compliment had not fallen on deaf ears. "Well, now, you say he's back in town. If I knock at the door in the course of half-an-hour or so, do you think I'm likely to find him in?" "It's a pretty safe find. He hardly ever goes out when in London, drives down to the Carlton once or twice a week, and stays a couple of hours. But anyway. I'm pretty sure you'll find him in to-day, and I'll tell you for why." "Yes?" interrupted Johnson eagerly. Willet was certainly invaluable in the way of giving information. "Her ladyship is giving a big party this afternoon--I think it's a philanthropic sort of hustle, in aid of some charity. On these occasions he usually shuts himself up in his own den till the last carriage has driven away. Then he comes out growling and cursing because his house has been turned upside down, and everybody gives him as wide a berth as possible." "He seems an amiable sort of person," observed Johnson.