ycle run at great speed without lights up the steep hill
northward of that village on the previous night. He gave the time as
between half past ten and eleven o'clock.

"We should have heard of him from Moreton next," said Halfyard;
"but, no. He must have branched under Hameldown and gone south, for
the next news is from Ashburton."

The second message told how a garage keeper was knocked up at
Ashburton, just after midnight, in order that petrol might be
obtained for a motor bicycle. The description of the purchaser
corresponded to Redmayne and the message added that the bicycle had
a large sack tied behind it. The rider was in no hurry; he smoked a
cigarette, swore because he could not get a drink, lighted his
lamps, and then proceeded by the Totnes road which wound through the
valley of the Dart southward.

The third communication came from the police station at Brixham and
was somewhat lengthy. It ran thus:

"At ten minutes after two o'clock last night P.C. Widgery, on
night duty at Brixham, saw a man on a motor bicycle with a
large parcel behind him run through the town square. He
proceeded down the main street and was gone for the best part
of an hour; but, before three o'clock, Widgery saw him return
without his parcel. He went fast up the hill out of Brixham,
the way he came. Inquiries to-day show that he passed the
Brixham coast-guard station about a quarter after two o'clock,
and he must have lifted his machine over the barrier at the end
of the coast-guard road, because he was seen by a boy, from
Berry Head lighthouse, pushing it up the steep path that runs
to the downs. The boy was going for a doctor, because his
father, one of the lighthouse watchers, had been taken ill. The
boy says the motor bicyclist was a big man and he was blowing,
because the machine was heavy and the road just there very
steep and rough. He saw no more of him on returning from the
doctor. We are searching the Head and cliffs round about."

Inspector Halfyard waited until Brendon had read the messages and
put them down.

"About as easy as shelling peas--eh?" he asked.

"I expected an arrest," answered the detective. "It can't be long
delayed."

As though to confirm him the telephone bell rang and Halfyard rose
and entered the box to receive the latest information.

"Paignton speaking," said the message. "We have just called at
address of