harmless, and just sits and knits with her maid and looks out of the
seaward windows. Now you see why I can't take you there to-morrow.
I have to get rid of the old lady, who in any case was travelling
south early next week. Do you understand?"

"Perfectly," said Dickson with some fervour. He had learned exactly
what he wanted. The factor was telling him lies. Now he knew
where to place Mr. Loudon.

He always looked back upon what followed as a very creditable piece
of play-acting for a man who had small experience in that line.

"Is the old lady a wee wizened body, with a black cap and something
like a white cashmere shawl round her shoulders?"

"You describe her exactly," Mr. Loudon replied eagerly.

"That would explain the foreigners."

"Of course. We couldn't have natives who would make the thing
the clash of the countryside."

"Of course not. But it must be a difficult job to keep a business
like that quiet. Any wandering policeman might start inquiries.
And supposing the lady became violent?"

"Oh, there's no fear of that. Besides, I've a position in this
country--Deputy Fiscal and so forth--and a friend of the Chief Constable.
I think I may be trusted to do a little private explaining if
the need arose."