"I don't like him," answered Garth, after a pause, "he is a scientific prig. All the same there is no ill-will between us." "Very good. You can give me that introduction as soon as you like." "I'll write it to-day; and if you wish to see Vaud the elder you'll find him at Lincoln's Inn Fields, a pleasant old gentleman of the out-of-date school." "You emphasise the elder Vaud. Is there a son?" "Yes, a fellow of thirty or thereabouts, He is the partner, but he has been ill of late, and has only returned from a tour of the world. But, I say Hersham, you know." "I shall call on him to-morrow," said Fanks, "and question him about the tattooed cross." "When shall I see you again?" "Call to-morrow night at my Duke Street chambers. I may have some news for you." "About Emma Calvert?" "About Dr. Renshaw." "Do you still connect him with the crime?" "I connect him with Dr. Binjoy, and I connect Dr. Binjoy with his negro servant; and further I connect a black man wearing a green coat with brass buttons with the murder." "Then you suspect that the servant of Dr. Binjoy killed Fellenger, and that Binjoy in the disguise of Renshaw was at the Red Star to assure himself that his instructions had been carried out." "That is exactly what I don't mean." "Then what are you driving at?" "Ask me the same question in five weeks, and I'll tell you." "Will it take you all that time to find out the truth?" Fanks laughed at the implied sneer. "I am no miracle-monger, my dear sir," he said; "I am groping in the dark; and a mighty hard task it is. I do not know in which direction to move at the present moment. If only some thing would turn up likely to point out a path. Renshaw, Mrs. Boazoph, and Robert are all sign-posts, but which to go by, I really cannot say. Five weeks, Garth, and then perhaps failure." All this time they were still standing at the door at the foot of the stairs. Now Fanks made a movement, but before he could step on to the pavement he was aware that Maxwell was coming down the stairs quickly. In another moment he was at the elbow of his superior officer, holding out a small packet wrapped up in brown paper. Fanks took it gingerly, and examined it with a thoughtful look on his face. "Well, Maxwell," he said, "what is this?" "I don't know, sir," said the breathless Maxwell. "I guessed that you mightn't be far away, so I took the liberty to come after you." "To give me this packet?" "Yes, sir. I found it a few minutes ago in the letter-box on the door. "Ah!" said Garth, in a startled tone, "was it there last time you looked?" "No, sir; not an hour ago. It ain't got no postmark or stamp."