"Then how am I to clear up the mystery of the murder, and get the money, Browne? I must make some move, as I can't live here on you all the days of my life. Four thousand pounds is worth paying, if by Kyles' information I can get fifty thousand a year." "Quite so, but if Kyles is guilty he won't accuse himself." "Why not? He won't see me ashore, but on the yacht. He can say what he likes and then steam away with the money." "And you will let him," said Elspeth, indignantly. "No!" said her husband, putting on his hat, "I'll see Trent to-morrow, and inform him of the proposed meeting. After I get the truth,--whatever it may be,--out of Kyles, Trent can come on board and arrest the guilty person." "Señora Guzman!" said Elspeth. "Captain Kyles," ventured Browne, but not very eagerly. "It may be one or the other, or neither," retorted Herries, "meanwhile I'm off." "To see Inspector Trent?" said Elspeth accompanying him to the door. "No. I won't see him until I have a note saying what time I am to go on board the yacht. I must interview Ritson about the money." This Herries did, after he had thought well over the position of affairs, which was decidedly perplexing. Ritson gasped when he heard all that Herries knew, and appeared to take the same view as Browne had done. "I believe that Kyles is guilty," he said, in a profoundly certain tone, "and that being the case, why pay him four thousand pounds?" "He won't confess anything until he gets the money," insisted the client, "and if he is guilty Trent can arrest him. Then we can get the money back. But will you advance me the cash, Ritson?" "Yes," said the lawyer without the slightest hesitation. "You have a good enough security." "Be careful, Ritson," warned Herries gravely, "I am not yet in possession of the fifty thousand a year, and unless I learn the absolute truth, I never may be." "You'll learn the truth sooner or later. At all events, to get to the bottom of the thing, I'm willing to risk four thousand on the matter. It's a sprat to catch a mackerel. But you must make it worth my while, risking this much, Herries." "Naturally," said the other, "I never expected you to oblige me without asking a percentage. What do you want?" "I must think it over," said Ritson, rubbing his hands, "but you won't find me too expensive. I wish to keep you as a client." "That you certainly will," said Herries, "as you have been most kind during all these troubles. Good-bye. I'll see you to-morrow. Make your arrangements and have the money,--in gold of course." "Humph. Rather a large sum in gold. Better take a cheque." "My dear man, _I_ don't take the money. Kyles won't be satisfied with a cheque which may be stopped." "Bank notes then?" "Same objection applies. Kyles is a wary man, and will accept nothing but gold." "Well," sighed Ritson, "we must see what we can do. By the way, are you certain that Kyles is guilty?" "I am not, but you are."