ain an attitude of masterly inactivity and
avoid the night air."

"But, surely," I exclaimed, "you will take some measures to protect
yourself against attempts of this kind. You can hardly doubt now that
your accident in the fog was really an attempted murder."

"I never did doubt it, as a matter of fact, although I prevaricated at
the time. But I have not enough evidence against this man at present,
and, consequently, can do nothing but show that I suspect him, which
would be foolish. Whereas, if I lie low, one of two things will happen;
either the occasion for my removal (which is only a temporary one) will
pass, or he will commit himself--will put a definite clue into my hands.
Then we shall find the air-cane, the bicycle, perhaps a little stock of
poison, and certain other trifles that I have in my mind, which will be
good confirmatory evidence, though insufficient in themselves. And now,
I think, I must really adjourn this meeting, or we shall be good for
nothing to-morrow."

CHAPTER XII

IT MIGHT HAVE BEEN

It was now only a week from the date on which the trial was to open. In
eight days the mystery would almost certainly be solved (if it was
capable of solution), for the trial promised to be quite a short one,
and then Reuben Hornby would be either a convicted felon or a free man,
clear of the stigma of the crime.

For several days past, Thorndyke had been in almost constant possession
of the laboratory, while his own small room, devoted ordinarily to
bacteriology and microscopical work was kept continually locked; a state
of things that reduced Polton to a condition of the most extreme nervous
irritation, especially when, as he told me indignantly, he met Mr.
Anstey emerging from the holy of holies, grinning and rubbing his hands
and giving utterance to genial but unparliamentary expressions of amused
satisfaction.

I had met Anstey on several occasions lately, and each time liked him
better than the last; for his whimsical, facetious manner covered a
nature (as it often does) that was serious and thoughtful; and I found
him, not only a man of considerable learning, but one also of a lofty
standard of conduct. His admiration for Thorndyke was unbounded, and I
could see that the two men collaborated with the utmost sympathy and
mutual satisfaction.

But although I regarded Mr. Anstey with feelings of the liveliest
friendship, I was far from gratified when, on the morning of which I am
writing, I