"Rob Dives to help Demos is the way he would put it," said Vernon with a shrug. "However, we have made a great discovery and one which the police will thank us for making. When Hest is captured many a rich man will sleep the easier." "Yes, when he is captured; but that won't be easy." "I agree with you. The Spider is as clever as his father--the devil. Humph!" added Vernon thoughtfully, "I wonder if his sister knows anything about his infernal doings." "No," said the Colonel decidedly. "I don't like Miss Hest, as I think she is too imperious and masterful and wants her own way too much. All the same, I don't believe she would have countenanced her brother's behaviour. Besides, she was always away from him, and he doubtless carried on his pranks without her knowledge." "You defend her. I thought you didn't like her?" "I admitted only a moment ago that I did not," snapped the Colonel as the taxi cautiously felt its way up Whitehall, "but I must be just to her. The poor woman will suffer as it is when her brother's criminality becomes known. It will ruin her reciting business." "That's true, and there is no chance of keeping the matter quiet. Hest must be captured and imprisoned." "Hanged, you mean. Remember, he murdered Martin Dimsdale." Vernon shuddered. "I suppose he did," was his reluctant admission. "I am sorry for Miss Hest, as, contrary to your opinion, I think highly of her. She may be masterful, as you say, but Ida is so weak that it is just as well that she should have someone to lead her in the right way." "Oh, Miss Hest has led her in the right way, no doubt," retorted the Colonel; "but I prefer to be the guide myself. See here, Vernon, come down with me next week to my place at Bowderstyke." "What for? We have to hunt down Hest and Maunders." "We can safely leave that to Drench and his underlings. I want to get Ida away from Gerby Hall. Sorry as I am for Miss Hest in having such a brother, I don't want Ida to continue under her protection any longer, especially as she wants to marry her to Maunders." "Maunders will have no chance now," said Vernon with a grim chuckle. "But you are a bachelor, Towton, so Ida will scarcely be able to come to The Grange." "I shall ask her aunt down as chaperon." "Lady Corsoon? Good! And ask Lucy also, for my sake." "With great pleasure. I think that the removal of Maunders from my path and yours will result in the courses of our love running smoother. Ah, here we are, and I'm glad, as I want drink and victuals." After the long, cautious creeping through the fog the two gentlemen arrived at the Colonel's rooms, and Bendham was sent out for food. Having dined, they smoked and talked while waiting for Inspector Drench. But he never came. A telegram arrived instead stating that the fog prevented his keeping the appointment. And it also prevented Vernon getting back to his own quarters, so the Colonel put him up for the night. Next day the hunt for the criminals began in earnest.