Sir Donald surprised the opposition by having the Dodge case set for
trial.

There was a conference held at the office of the Dodge solicitors.
William Dodge and both Laniers were present, two of the party being in
disguise. Soon after, the case of William Dodge against Alice Webster
was dismissed by the complainant.

At a London meeting, the Bureau chief said to Sir Donald: "Your bluff
worked well. It is now sure that Dodge is the tool of the Laniers. Alice
Webster's death rendered this conspiracy unavailing. The interests to be
subserved by the bringing of this action are in another venue. India is
the proper jurisdiction. William Webster's estate and Pierre Lanier are
the real parties in interest."

William Dodge quit London, and both Laniers sailed for Calcutta.

Sir Donald and Esther left Northfield for Paris.

CHAPTER VII

SOUTHAMPTON TO CALCUTTA

The conclusion of Oswald Langdon to sail for India was hurriedly formed
while at Southampton. There were many other places more likely to have
been the choice of mature deliberation.

Oswald had a glimpse of his assailant at the river. The blow upon the
head of Alice and thrust following were in quick succession, but he
received an impression as to their enemy's identity. He had seen the
same heavily whiskered face on the trip from Northfield to London, and
in Hyde Park. Had not he observed that listening attitude, while Alice
was relating her troubles with Paul Lanier? This eavesdropper knew their
arrangements for the night ride. Doubtless this man followed along the
shore and saw them at the rustic seat. Screened behind the bushes, he
heard all their conversation. Either through premeditated malice or
sudden passion, the blows had been struck. Paul Lanier was the only man
who could have any object in this assault. Paul had learned of Alice's
escape from the lake. He surely thought she had told all about this
affair, and Paul had followed them in disguise. By silencing forever
this the only witness to his crime, he could defy hearsay testimony. It
became necessary to kill both. Perhaps Paul fled soon as Alice and
Oswald fell over the bank. Possibly he may have seen Oswald reach the
shore. It might be that Paul knew of the flight, and deliberately
permitted it, to insure his final ruin.

These thoughts harassed Oswald after his arrival in India. Was not this
supposed asylum the home of Pierre Lanier? If identified, and the body
of Alice were found, ho