tate. You can make things exceedingly unpleasant for him if you
like; but frankly, is it worth while? Think it over a little, bearing in
mind that if we are to get hold of the Motor Pirate, we must take the
chance of capturing the wrong man, since there is no description of him
obtainable. You will not be the only one, I'll swear."

Since I had relieved my mind I felt better. Besides I was rather
attracted by the personality of the man who was speaking to me. He did
not at all fulfil my idea of a detective. He was a tall, slight, stiffly
built man, with a pleasant open face and an agreeable manner. I saw,
too, that I had only my own folly to blame for the predicament in which
I now found myself.

In another ten minutes he was smoking one of my cigars and we were
chatting confidentially. Before twenty had elapsed, I had confided to
him not only Winter's and my own experience with the Motor Pirate, but
also the chain of events which had led to my spending the night at the
inn. He was exceedingly sympathetic and quite grave throughout, though
he appeared more interested in the encounter with the Pirate than in the
account of my mental tortures. However, when I told him of my vow, he
brightened up and asked me if I was still determined to keep it.

I had just assured him that I would willingly spend the rest of my life
in the quest, when the other inspector entered the room and with him
Winter. The latter came straight across to me and held out his hand, and
never in my life was I so glad to see his honest face and beaming smile.

"What have you been up to now, Sutgrove?" he remarked. "Not emulating
the deeds of the Motor Pirate?"

"The police have somehow arrived at the conclusion that I am that
distinguished person himself," I replied ruefully.

He roared with laughter. It was infectious. There was no help for it.
The two inspectors joined in the merriment, and the last of my anger was
borne away on the flood.

There was of course no question of my further detention. In a few
minutes I was seated beside Winter in his car, and we were making the
mud fly as we dashed towards St. Albans.

Inspector Forrest accompanied us. I had promised to find him some lunch
if he would do so, and to drive him back afterwards, and he was glad of
the opportunity of obtaining from us such particulars as we could
furnish him with concerning the person of whom he was in search.

CHAPTER VII

I MAKE FRIENDS WITH INSPECTOR FORRES