Holden shook his head. "I saw him with my own eyes," he asseverated, "and to make sure of his destination I asked the ticket examiner where the gentleman in the first smoker was going to. It was Stowmarket, right enough." "There can be no error, sir," put in the stationmaster. "Mr. Capella's valet came by the train, and assured me that he left London with his master. Besides, the carriage is here from the Hall. It was ordered by telegraph. There is the valet himself. He imagines that Mr. Capella quitted the train on the way, and will arrive by this one. But there is no sign of him." The mention of the carriage brought a look of decision into the barrister's face. "One more question," he said to the official. "Did you see the person described as the Japanese?" "Yes, sir, I did. As a matter of fact, I thought it was somebody else. It was not until the stranger who arrived by the train used that name to distinguish him that I understood I was mistaken." The stationmaster looked into Brett's eyes that which he did not like to say in the presence of the Frazers. Of course, he had fallen into the same error as most people who only obtained a casual glimpse of Ooma. Brett hurried his companions outside the station. There they found the Beechcroft carriage, and a puzzled valet holding parley with the coachman and footman. David Hume's authority was sufficient to secure the use of the vehicle, and Brett made the position easier for the men by saying that, in all probability, they would find fresh instructions awaiting them at the Hall. Before the party drove off Winter noticed a local sergeant of police standing near. "Shall I ask him to come with us, sir?" he said to Brett. The barrister considered the point for an instant before replying: "Perhaps it would be better, as we have not got a warrant." Winter grinned broadly again. "Oh yes, we have," he cried. "Mr. Ooma's warrant has been in my breast-pocket for three days." "What a thoughtful fellow you are," murmured Brett. "In that case we can dispense with local assistance. We five can surely tackle any man living." "What can have become of Capella?" said David Hume, when they were all seated and bowling along the road to Beechcroft. "It is impossible to say what such a mad ass would be up to," commented his cousin. "He has probably gone back to London from some wayside station, and failed to find his servant to tell him before the train moved on." "What do you think, Mr. Brett?" inquired Winter. "I can form no opinion. I only wish Ooma was in gaol. For once, Winter, I appreciate the strength of your handcuffing policy." CHAPTER XXXII THE FIGHT It was almost dark by the time they reached the lodge gates. Brett, moved by impulse, stopped the carriage in the main road. The others alighted after him. Mrs. Crowe, the lodge-keeper's wife, opened the gates, and evidently wondered why the carriage did not enter.