"Ah, did he?" said the policeman, and felt for his pocket-book. In doing so, he slightly relaxed his grip, and Bernard was quick to take advantage of the chance. Had he but reflected for a moment, he would have stood his ground and have faced the worst; but with the accusing face of Mrs. Gilroy before him, and a memory of the housemaid's evidence and Beryl's enmity, he decided hastily to fly. In a moment he laid the policeman flat on his back by a quick wrestling trick, and darted out into the street. Mrs. Gilroy ran to the door shrieking murder, and the word was heard by three or four policemen who were tramping hurriedly along in the wake of the breathless page. At once they realized the situation, and plunged into the fog after the flying form of the soldier. The page followed also, but speedily returned with the news that the fugitive was running towards High Street. "He's bound to be caught," said Mrs. Gilroy. "I hope not," said Beryl, who was standing in the hall much disturbed. "After all, he is my cousin." "And a murderer," added the housekeeper. "Wait here, policeman." "But he's got away," said the officer, considerably ruffled by the escape. "I must follow." "The others are after him," said Julius, drawing him back. "You can't follow in the fog. It's thicker than ever. Mrs. Webber." "Oh, what's the matter?" asked a trembling voice, and a white face appeared at the window of the carriage which stood at the door. "Mr. Beryl!" "Sir Simon has been murdered by his grandson," said Julius, running down the steps and speaking quietly. Mrs. Webber threw herself back into the carriage and shrieked, "Oh, horrible! Drive away--drive away." "No! no!" said Beryl, anxiously. "Lucy is upstairs with the corpse. Come and take her away. She can't remain here." "Yes, I know," said Mrs. Webber, recovering from her momentary alarm, and getting hastily out of the carriage. "James, where is Francis?" "He's gone off after the murderer, mum," said James, touching his hat; "but for the 'orses I'd have gone also." "Wait--wait," said Mrs. Webber, hurrying up the steps. "How terrible--poor Sir Simon. Where is the body?" she asked, shuddering. "In the sitting-room on the first floor," said Mrs. Gilroy. "Where the red light is?" asked the lady. "There is no red light," said Mrs. Gilroy. "But I tell you there is," said Mrs. Webber. "I saw it when I heard the horrid cry of murder." "The red light," said Julius, starting. "I wonder"--he hurried outside and looked up to the dark front of the house. "There's no red light, Mrs. Webber," he called out. "I knew there wasn't," cried Mrs. Gilroy, sitting down, evidently exhausted. "You must be mistaken, ma'am." Mrs. Webber ran out also. "I am not mistaken. Why"--she stared up also--"there is none. Yet I am sure--I'll ask Lucy," and she ran into the house again. "Come and show me where the poor man is."