assistance in running down a
criminal," was the reply.

"I have sworn," I remarked obstinately, "that I will not rest until he
is safe under lock and key."

"You had better be prepared," answered Mannering. "I should judge him to
be a bit of a fighter."

"Next time I meet him, I'll take all risks to come to close quarters," I
continued.

"You haven't a car to do a hundred miles an hour, have you?" he said in
a bantering voice.

"My plan is a simple one. I merely propose to go out for night rides
until he finds me," I said.

"I had some thoughts of amusing myself in the same way," he answered.
"But, judging from your experience this morning, the only thing likely
to happen is being arrested on suspicion."

"I'll take my chance of that," I said. "But before discussing the
matter, perhaps you could tell Inspector Forrest whether there's any
spot in this neighbourhood likely to serve as a hiding-place for the
Pirate's car?"

A smile lit up Mannering's face. "There's the old coach-house at the
bottom of the paddock next to my cottage. It has a door opening on to
the main road. There would be room, too, in my stables, if I had not
fitted them up as workshops for my tyre experiments."

"Stop rotting," I said, "the inspector really means it."

He became grave instantly. "Sorry I can't suggest a likely spot," he
said, and then for a few minutes he answered the questions the detective
put to him as to what he had seen of the Pirate.

He could give little information of any value, and when Inspector
Forrest had elicited all that he could, he thanked Mannering and rose to
depart. I accompanied him to the garden gate. He appeared a little loth
to leave me. Twice he turned away and returned to make some objectless
remark to me. The third time he blurted out--

"About that suggestion of yours--taking night rides on the chance of
being held up----"

"Yes?" I said and waited.

"I wish I had a good fast car at my disposal," he continued earnestly;
"but the Yard would never run to it."

I felt a pleasant thrill run through me. It would be good to have his
companionship and assistance in working out my self-imposed vow.

"If you can make use of it, I will see that the best car money can buy
is placed at your disposal," I replied eagerly.

He took my hand and shook it warmly. "I'll see what my chief says," he
replied. "When can I see you again?"

"I shall be leaving here at eight and returning well--between ten and