The result of Fank's meditations therefore resulted in his having an increased suspicion of Mrs. Boazoph. Her behaviour at the time of the discovery of the murder, her visit to Mere Hall, and her fainting at the mention that Hersham was the probable criminal--all these things were suspicious; and now the probable visit of Anne Colmer to her aunt--although such visit was not yet proved--clinched the matter. All the interest of Fanks now centred in Mrs. Boazoph; and he addressed himself again to Hersham in the hope of learning something tangible, likely to connect her more intimately with her niece either in London or at Taxton-on-Thames. He was right to act in this way; an indefinable instinct had placed him on the right path. "I wish you had told me of this before," he said to Hersham, as he resumed his seat. "It would have saved me a lot of trouble." "I did not wish to tell you. I was afraid to speak lest I should inculpate myself. I am sure my movements on that fatal night must appear very suspicious to you. What is your opinion of me now?" "The same as before. I am satisfied that you have told me the truth. No, Hersham, it is not you whom I suspect." "Then who is it?" asked the young man, eagerly. "I'll tell you that later on," replied Finks. "In the meantime you must answer a few more questions. I am not yet quite clear on some points. How did you obtain your disguise?" "Oh, that was Miss Colmer's suggestion." "The deuce it was!" said Fanks, rather startled at this admission. "Yes! I told her of my idea to disguise myself in order to obtain a thoroughly realistic description of street music, and of those who make it. I asked her how she thought I should dress. In a half-laughing way she advised me to take Binjoy's servant Caesar as my model." "Which you did?" "Certainly. I thought the suggestion a good one. Caesar was rather an oddity in his way, and dressed with that mixture of vivid colours which is so dear to the black race. When off duty he usually wore a red neck scarf, a brown felt hat, black trousers, and a long green coat with large brass buttons, quite a noticeable garb in fact. He had several of these quaint garments, and he had brought one to Anne's establishment to get yellow velvet cuffs and collar sewn on to it. On the promise that I would not keep it more than a fortnight Anne lent me the coat, which I wore for my purpose." "Strange," said Fanks, thoughtfully. "So you wore the very coat of the man whom we suspected in the first instance?" "I did. It is odd now that you mention it." Fanks considered. "Did anyone suggest your disguising yourself as a negro for this street music business, or was it your own fancy?" "It was the suggestion of Dr. Binjoy." "Oh, was it? Humph! I am beginning to see daylight." "Why, you don't think----?" "I think nothing at present," said Fanks, quickly; "matters are in too crude a state."