When in the street Gerald suddenly remembered that it would have been
as well to get Signor Venosta's address from the widow, as he wanted
to gain further information concerning the Tána Society. But on second
thoughts he saw little use in again questioning Venosta. The Italian
had plainly denied the murder, and would tell him nothing more about
the society, which was a secret one. Haskins quite believed what
Venosta said with regard to the crime. If Bellaria, judged a traitress
by the Tána, had been deliberately stabbed, it was improbable that
Venosta--as the mouthpiece of the cut-throat organization--would deny
that such justice had been executed. Such societies were rather proud
than otherwise of their vengeance, and did not mind the truth being
known, since publicity on this score terrified other members who might
wish to break their oaths. The Tána Society therefore was guiltless of
Bellaria's death, and the assassin would have to be sought for in
another quarter. "But where can I look?" Gerald asked himself, and it
was not until he reached Frederick Street that he decided what to do.
The decision he came to, was to journey at once to Denleigh and
interview the negro. Probably Geary knew the truth and might be
bribed or terrified into telling what he knew. To depend upon this
semi-civilized creature was grasping at a straw, but to whom else
could he go for information? Rebb, fighting with his back to the wall,
would not tell, but Geary, knowing his master's secrets, might be
persuaded, or kicked, or bought over, into speech.
When Gerald arrived in his rooms he was met with a surprise in the
shape of Tod Macandrew, looking sunburnt, healthy, and marvelously
happy. "Good heavens, what are you doing here?" asked Haskins, amazed.
"Looking for you," retorted Tod, and shook hands. "Charity is so
anxious to see Mavis cleared, and you married to her, that she made me
come back."
"And where is Mrs. Macandrew?"
"At Amsterdam."
"What is she doing there?"
"Waiting for me. She would not stop in Switzerland, as it was too far
away, so she came to Amsterdam. I can run over and see her there
whenever I like, until this infernal business of the murder is cleared
up and I can bring her back to England."
"I am glad she is in Holland," remarked Gerald, and told Tod how Mrs.
Crosbie and her mother intended to go to Switzerland, and of his dread
lest they might meet Charity.
Tod nodded. "It is just as well," he answered. "However, Charity is
all right and snug, so I am at your disposal. Mavis and Mrs. Pelham
Odin are at Southend?"
"Yes, where Rebb is not likely to look for them. As for myself I am
going to Devonshire to-morrow to see Geary and Arnold."
"Arnold? Yes, I should like to interview him, and see if he has picked
up any further information. As to Geary?--do you suspect him?"