hauteur in his tone when he replied, "Do you suggest that I am hiding
him?"

Had Foyle not been sure of his facts the manner of the baronet might
have convinced him that he was in error. As it was, he ignored the
evasion. It was essential to know whether the fugitive had been supplied
with any money and whether he had given any indication of his plans. "I
feel quite certain that you have had a talk with him lately," he said.
"I thought you were going to do what you could to help us clear up this
mystery. Why deny a fact that is plain?"

Sir Ralph clenched his teeth. It was clear that Foyle was certain of his
ground; that it was no use any longer trying to throw dust in his eyes.
"Well?" he demanded icily. "I suppose I am not entirely a spy at your
disposal, Mr. Foyle. I am like most men, I have my limits. I prefer to
remain master of my own actions."

"I should be the last to dispute it," said Foyle, with a slight bow, "or
to take advantage of the good-nature that has led you to assist us
hitherto. Of course you could not foresee that Grell would come to you,
and you naturally do not want to take advantage of his confidence. But
we already know of his visit, so there is no breach of trust there. All
I ask is that you should simplify the matter by telling me what occurred
at your interview. Perhaps you have forgotten, Sir Ralph, that there is
a punishment for assisting a man to escape--by lending him money or
otherwise. That is merely for information. It is not a threat."

"Thank you," said the other. "It would make no difference to me whether
it was a threat or not." He remained in thought for a moment. The fact
that Grell had entered the place and apparently got clear away had led
him to believe that the police knew nothing of the visit, that the only
risk of the interview being disclosed lay with Roberts. If the
detectives had really been close on the heels of the fugitive, as Foyle
said, it could do no harm to admit the truth. His promise to say nothing
could hardly be considered to cover the contingency. "Has Roberts been
talking to you?" he asked abruptly.

"Roberts?" repeated the superintendent, with a puzzled frown. "Oh, of
course, he's your servant. I asked him one or two questions, but he
didn't seem to understand me."

The answer was so quick, so naturally given, that any suspicion that
remained in Fairfield's mind was lulled. He shrugged his shoulders.
"Well, for what it is worth, I don't mind admitting