He walked along there for a little while, then crossed over to the north side, and, turning up one of the numerous side streets, took a devious route into Edgware Road. It immediately struck Varney that he was going to visit Mrs Saxton at Hyde Park Mansions. In that case, he would have had his hunt for nothing. Smeaton had his men stationed there, and he was not wanted. However, he would make sure, before he gave up the chase, and he was afterwards glad that he had not jumped too readily at conclusions. It soon became apparent that this was not Farloe's destination, for he passed Chapel Street, and continued straight along the Edgware Road till he came to where it joins on to Maida Vale. Here he turned to the right, and was immediately in the St John's Wood district. Varney was now pretty certain in his own mind as to the secretary's goal, and a few moments more confirmed his conjectures. He halted at a house in the Boundary Road, and knocked gently at the door. It was opened by a tall man, whom Varney at once recognised as Bolinski, from the description given of him by Wingate. He waited about for an hour, but Farloe did not come out. Theirs was evidently a long conference. The secretary was apparently the channel of communication between the Russian and Mrs Saxton. This accounted for the sudden cessation of telegrams. The astute lady had found out she was being watched. Varney walked back to Baker Street Station, where he took a ticket for Charing Cross, the nearest halting-place for the Savage Club in the Adelphi. "I wonder if Smeaton has left Farloe altogether out of his calculations," was his inward comment on the night's proceedings. "But it can't be; he is too old a bird for that. Well, it's evident he is in with the gang, whoever they are--as well as his sister." CHAPTER TEN. IN THE LOBBY OF THE HOUSE. The weeks had slipped by. Smeaton was not at all satisfied with the progress he was making. His inquiries had led him into a _cul-de-sac_. The absence of the man Stent from the Savoy worried him. It looked as though the man had received a hint from Mrs Saxton, and taken the alarm. In addition, he had constant inquiries from the Home Secretary as to what progress he was making. He paid a visit to Chesterfield Street to talk over matters. Before he left, Sheila screwed up her courage to tell him of Varney's visit, and their acquiescence in his proposal to investigate on his own account. She had expected that he would display resentment at their having taken such a step before consulting him. But, to her relief, he did nothing of the kind.