The detective looked astonished. "Do you mean to say that Lord Derrington has climbed down?" he demanded incredulously. "It is strange, is it not," said George, in a bantering tone, "but, as a matter of fact, after a long conversation, Lord Derrington and myself came to understand one another. He intends to recognize me as his heir." "Has he then learnt where the marriage took place?" asked Bawdsey, starting from his seat, and again glancing anxiously at the newspaper which lay on a small table at his elbow. "No. We have yet to find that out. But he is quite satisfied from the hints of the late Mrs. Jersey that a marriage did take place, and he wishes to make amends to me for his unjust conduct as regards my mother's memory and myself." "Whew! What means did you take to force him to recognize you?" "I used no force at all," responded Brendon, very dryly. "Lord Derrington would not climb down unless he were made to." "As a matter of fact he did. The olive branch was held out by him. All this is none of your business, Mr. Bawdsey, and I only tell it to you to clear the ground for what I am about to say." "It's something disagreeable, I bet," said Bawdsey, scanning the set face of his visitor. "Your penetration does you credit, sir. It is disagreeable." Bawdsey settled himself comfortably in his chair. "Then the sooner we grasp the nettle the sooner will the pain be over," he said, with quite an Eastern wealth of parable. "But first, Mr. Brendon, I should like to know your exact position." "Oh, that is easily explained, and there is no reason why you should not know what all London will know soon. Lord Derrington will join with me in searching for the register of marriage, and meanwhile will recognize me as his grandson and the heir to his estates." "Not a very large income for a future peer," murmured Bawdsey. George took no notice of this. "In a fortnight I leave my Kensington rooms and take up my residence with Lord Derrington in St. Giles Square. Then I shall assume my real name of George Vane." "And you will marry Miss Ward, I suppose." "That is entirely my business," said George, placidly. "You will gain nothing by insolence, Bawdsey." The man rose with a wounded air. "Upon my word, Mr. Vane," he said, giving George his correct name to show that he recognized his new position, "I have not the slightest intention of being insolent. I am glad for your sake that things are as they are, and pleased for my own, since Lola may now give up thoughts of you and turn to me." "That's all very well, Bawdsey," said Brendon quietly. "You profess a great friendship for me, but how can I trust you?" "I have never deceived you yet." "I have not given you the chance of doing so; but if the opportunity offered, and it was convenient to you, I am quite sure you would sell me--as the saying goes--to the highest bidder." "Why should you doubt me?" asked Bawdsey, still wounded.