"You have answered my questions capitally, Garth. Now, as we are working together, I shall reply to anything you like to ask me." The barrister, restored to a sense of importance by the thought of the part he was about to play in the forthcoming interview with the valet, availed himself readily of the opportunity of learning the plans of the detective. Fanks had no hesitation in confiding them to him, as, foreseeing that Garth would be necessary to the elucidation of the mystery, he wished to interest him in the case as much as possible. He was well aware that Garth was not the man to give up an idea when once it had fixed itself in his head, and his present idea was to investigate the mystery of his cousin's death. With characteristic wisdom Fanks, who never wasted a person or an opportunity, made use of this new factor in the case to further his own ends. Such economies aided his frequent successes in no small degree. "What are your plans?" asked Garth, taking advantage of the permission. "As yet I cannot be certain of them; but, so far as I can see at present, they include the search and examination of chambers and valet, a conversation with the landlady of the Red Star, a visit to Taxton-on-Thames, and an interview with Dr. Renshaw." "Why with the latter gentleman?" "Because Renshaw is too confidential with Mrs. Boazoph, because he was too conveniently on the spot at the time of the murder for my liking; and, finally, because Renshaw had a cut-and-dried theory of the motive of the crime prepared on the instant." "You don't trust the man?" "I think that his conduct is suspicious; but I do not accuse him of anything--as yet." "He does not look a man to be feared," said Garth, disbelievingly; "he was very timid in giving his evidence at the inquest." "That is one reason why I mistrust him. Dr. Renshaw is acting a part, but I am unable to say whether he is mixed up in this especial affair. I have my suspicions, but, as you know, I never like to speak unless certain." Garth looked curiously at the detective. "You hint at the guilt of Mrs. Boazoph," he said, doubtfully. "Do I? Then I should hold my tongue. There is no doubt that the negro committed the crime in the way that I told you of. But I believe that he acted as the agent of a third party--not Mrs. Boazoph. I wish to find out that party to hang him or her as an accessory before the fact." "You can't hang him or her." "Perhaps not; but I can imprison him or her." "Do you think that Mrs. Boazoph knows the motive of the crime?" Fanks reflected. "Yes, I think she does," he said, quietly; "it is my belief that the motive for which you and I are searching is to be found in the past life of Mrs. Boazoph." "Her past is known to the police, is it not?" "It is known for the last twenty years only. She appeared in London twenty-one years ago, but who she is and where she came from, the police know no more than you do." "Then how can the motive be found in----"