y likely it's some madman," he thought to himself. "How in the name
of common sense can he expect to inherit the title and estates quietly
after such a series of crimes as he seems to contemplate? Does he think
no one will have any suspicion of him when he comes forward? Even if
he is successful in getting rid of all of us in this way, how does he
expect to be able to reap his reward? Of course he may think that there
will be no direct evidence if he manages cleverly enough, and that mere
suspicion he will be able to disregard and live down in time, but surely
it will be plain enough that 'who benefits is guilty'? The whole thing
is mad, fantastic. Why, the mere fact of any one making a claim to the
title and estates would be almost enough to justify a jury in returning
a verdict of guilty."

But though his thoughts ran in this wise all the time he was journeying
to London, and though he repeated them to himself over and over again,
none the less there remained an uneasy consciousness in his mind that
perhaps these people had plans more subtle than he knew, and that even
this difficulty of making their claim without bringing instant suspicion
on themselves they had provided for.

It was late in the year now, but the day was warm and very calm and
fine. At the London terminus where he alighted he had a strong feeling
that he was watched, and when he took the train back to Delsby he still
had the idea that he was being kept under observation.

He felt he had been wise in deciding to carry out Deede Dawson's
instructions so closely, for he was sure that if he had failed to do
so in any respect alarm would have been taken at once, and warning
telegrams gone flying on the instant to all concerned. Then that
self-baited trap at Brook Bourne Spring, wherein he hoped to see his
enemy taken, would remain unapproached, and all his work and risk would
have gone for nothing.

When he alighted at his destination he was a little before time, and so
he got himself something to eat at a small public-house near the station
before starting on his fifteen-mile walk across country. Though he was
not sure, he did not think any one was observing him now. Most likely
his movements up to the present had appeared satisfactory, and it had
not been thought necessary to watch him longer.

But he was careful to do nothing to rouse suspicion if he were still
being spied upon, and after he had eaten and had a smoke he started off
on his long tra