"That will do, thank you," Venner said. "We will not detain you any
longer. At the same time I should be obliged if you would keep this
information to yourself; but, of course, if the police question you, you
will have to speak. But a discreet silence on the subject of this visit
of ours would be esteemed."

Taylor winked and nodded, and the friends departed, not displeased to get
away from the stuffy and vitiated atmosphere of Taylor's room. On the
whole, they were not dissatisfied with the result of their expedition. At
any rate, they had now proof positive of the fact that Fenwick was at the
bottom of the mysterious disappearance of the man called Bates.

"I don't quite see what we are going to do next," Venner said. "So
far, we have been exceedingly fortunate to find ourselves in
possession of a set of clues which would be exceedingly valuable to
the police. But how are we going to use these clues is quite another
matter. What do you suggest?"

"Keeping a close eye upon Fenwick at any rate. For that purpose it would
not be a bad idea to employ a private inquiry agent. He need know
nothing of what we are after."

Thereupon it was decided that Gurdon was to dine with Venner that night
and go fully into the matter.




CHAPTER X