-told me to go and see a
solicitor, which, of course," she added reflectively, "is precisely what
I shall do--as they will very soon find!"

The Earl stepped over to one of the windows, and stood for a moment or
two silently looking out on the Market-Place.

"I don't understand this at all," he said at last. "What is the meaning
of all this reserve on the Chestermarkes' part? Why didn't they tell the
police what securities are missing? Why don't they let you, his niece,
examine Horbury's effects? What right have they to fasten up his
house?"

"Their house--so Mrs. Carswell says," remarked Betty.

"Oh, well--it may be their house, strictly speaking," agreed the Earl,
"but Horbury was its tenant, anyway, and the furniture and things in it
are his--I'm sure of that, for he and I shared a similar taste in
collecting old oak, and I know where he bought most of his possessions.
I can't make the behaviour of these people out at all--and I'm getting
more and more uneasy about the whole thing, Miss Fosdyke--as I'm sure
you are. I wonder if the police will find the man who came to the
Station Hotel on Saturday? Now, if they could lay hands on him, and get
to know who he was, and what he wanted, and if he really met your
uncle----"

The Earl suddenly paused and turned from the window with a glance at
Betty.

"There's young Mr. Neale coming across from the bank," he observed. "I
think he's coming here. By the by, isn't he a relation of Horbury's?"

"No," said Betty. "But my uncle was his guardian. Is he coming here,
Lord Ellersdeane?"

"Straight here," replied the Earl. "Perhaps he's got some news."

Betty had the door open before Neale could knock at it. He came in with
a smile, and glanced half-whimsically, half as if he had queer news to
give, at the two people who looked so inquiringly at him.

"Well?" demanded Betty. "What is it, Wallie? Have these two precious
principals sent you with news?"

"They're not my principals any longer," answered Neale. He laid down
some books and an old jacket on the table. "That's my old working coat,"
he went on, with a laugh. "I've worn it for the last time--at
Chestermarke's. They've dismissed me."

Lord Ellersdeane turned sharply from the window, and Betty indulged in a
cry of indignation.

"Dismissed--you?" she exclaimed. "Dismissed!"

"With a quarter's salary in lieu of notice," laughed Neale, slapping his
pocket. "I've got it here--in gold."

"But--why?" asked Betty.