"You see what you say yourself. Then Sidney thinking in a less sane fashion on the same subject might have considered it his duty to deliver the world from such a wizard. He would certainly then use a silver bullet, thinking (according to the mediæval superstition) that the man could not be killed by ordinary lead." "It's all theory," said Stephen gloomily, "and fantastic at that." "As you say--all theory and fantastic," admitted Herrick, "but you must remember that we are dealing with a fantastic nature. But we must see this boy and question him when we get home." "He will deny everything." "On the contrary if I know anything of the boy, he will calmly admit what he has done." "You will not tell Bess or Ida?" "That would be unwise. We must be certain of Sidney first. We shall say nothing to-night, but get Sidney to come over to 'The Pines' on the morrow and ask him frankly if he killed Carr." "Bess is sure to ask you about Frisco," said Stephen. "Oh, I can baffle her curiosity," replied Herrick. "I shall tell her nothing about my visit to the man. All about his arrest she can know." "I think it will be better to hold our tongues altogether Jim. Ida is getting worried by this incessant mystery, although she knows very little." "I'm sure I don't wonder. I'm worried myself. However, we must learn what we can from Sidney. I hope to Heaven the lad is innocent, but if he is not, I don't look upon him in the light of an ordinary criminal. He is a freak of nature. Were I put into the witness-box I could not say on my oath that he is mad." "Let us drop the subject," said Stephen who looked haggard, "I am getting nervous and anxious." Jim acquiesced in this sensible view and the two betook themselves to the magazines and newspapers. Until they arrived at Beorminster, they said little to one another, and even then were--for them--taciturn. A groom and cart awaited them, and they drove to Saxham in silence. It did not do to talk of Sidney with a servant at their elbows. But curiously enough the groom had news for Stephen, which brought in the name of Sidney. "Please sir, that Italian woman----" "What's the matter with her?" asked Herrick who was driving. "She is very ill sir, and it is said she will die." "Die!" echoed Stephen in surprise. "She was not bad enough for that when I saw her last. What do you think Herrick?" "She looked very sick certainly, but so far as I can judge was in no immediate danger of death. Who says this Parry?" The groom sunk his voice to a whisper, and seemed nervous, "Master Sidney," he said. Both men looked round at this. Then at each other. Herrick was the first to break the silence. "When did Master Sidney say that Parry?"