'I never guess, sir. I theorise from external evidence, and then try, with such brains as God has given me, to prove my theories.' 'You have gained some evidence, then?' 'If I have, Mr Cargrim, you'll hear it when I place the murderer in the dock. It is foolish to show half-finished work.' 'But if the mur--' 'Hold hard, sir!' interrupted Baltic, raising his head. 'I'll so far depart from my rule as to tell you one thing--whosoever killed Jentham, it was not Bishop Pendle.' Cargrim grew red and angry. 'I tell you it was!' he almost shouted, although this conversation took place in a quiet corner near the cathedral, and thereby required prudent speech and demeanour. 'Didn't Dr Pendle meet Jentham on the common?' 'We presume so, sir, but as yet we have no proof of the meeting.' 'At least you know that he paid Jentham two hundred pounds.' 'Perhaps he did; maybe he didn't,' returned Baltic, quietly. 'He certainly drew out that amount from the Ophir Bank, but, not having traced the notes, I can't say if he paid it to the man.' 'But I am sure he did,' insisted Cargrim, still angry. 'In that case, sir, why ask me for my opinion?' replied the imperturbable Baltic. If Mr Cargrim had not been a clergyman, he would have sworn at the complacent demeanour of the agent, and even as it was he felt inclined to risk a relieving oath or two. But knowing Baltic's religious temperament, he was wise enough not to lay himself open to further rebuke; so he turned the matter off with a laugh, and observed that no doubt Mr Baltic knew his own business best. 'I think I can safely say so, sir,' rejoined Baltic, gravely. 'By the way, did you not tell me that Captain George Pendle was on the common when the murder took place?' 'Yes, George was there, and so was Gabriel. Mrs Pansey's page saw them both.' 'And where is Captain Pendle now, sir?' 'At Wincaster with his regiment; but the bishop has sent for him to come to Beorminster, so I expect he will be here within the week.' 'I am glad of that, Mr Cargrim, as I wish to ask Captain Pendle a few questions.' 'Do you suspect him?' 'I can't rightly say, sir,' answered Baltic, wiping his face with the red bandanna. 'Later on I may form an opinion. Mr Gabriel Pendle comes to The Derby Winner sometimes, I see.' 'Yes; he is in love with the barmaid there.' Baltic looked up sharply. 'Mosk's daughter, sir?' 'The same. He wants to marry Bell Mosk.' 'Does--he--indeed?' drawled the agent, flicking his thumb nail against his teeth. 'Well, Mr Cargrim, he might do worse. There is a lot of good in that young woman, sir. Mr Gabriel Pendle has lately returned from abroad, I hear.' 'Yes, from Nauheim.' 'That is in Germany, I take it, sir. Did he travel on a Cook's ticket, do you know?' 'I believe he did.' 'Oh! humph! I'll say good-bye, then, Mr Cargrim, for the present. I shall see you when I return from London.' 'Are you going to ask about Gabriel's ticket at Cook's?' 'There's no telling, sir. I may look in.'