And, turning abruptly upon his heel, the master-criminal walked back towards Hyde Park Corner, leaving mademoiselle and her companion utterly perplexed.
Bernard Boyne, as he hurried up Park Lane on his return to Upper Brook Street, muttered to himself:
"I've given them something to think over! They'll hesitate--and while they hesitate, we must act. It would have been fatal for them to have met Ena--and especially to-night--_of all nights_!"
Ten minutes later he was back in Ena Pollen's room, where she was sitting with Lilla.
"What's happened?" asked his wife, for the paleness of his countenance betrayed that something was amiss.
"Oh! nothing--nothing serious, I mean!" was his reply. "Get me a liqueur brandy," he stammered.
Ena went at once to the dining-room and brought a little glass of old cognac, which he swallowed at a gulp, and then sat for a few moments staring straight before him.
"Tell us, Bernie. What's happened? Where have you been?" demanded his wife.
"Been! I--well, I've been right into the camp of the enemy!" he said hoarsely.
"Céline is here. Wants to see you. The fellow Galtier is with her. They are on the track of old Martin, and want to see you!"
The two women exchanged glances, for the light in the faces of both had died out.
"Céline here!" gasped Ena. "How much does she know?"
"How can we tell? I've simply defied her."
"But why didn't you offer to pay? They, of course, want money."
Rapidly he described to the two excited women what had occurred. Then at last Lilla said:
"Well, the only thing we can do is to sit tight. We must--if we are to get the money paid on dear Augusta's policy."
"Of course, we can't slip out, or it would be an admission, if Céline really goes to the police."
"There is nothing to prevent her," remarked Ena. "The girl is dangerous."
"So is that girl Ramsay. I've always said so," Lilla declared. "Her lover is out of the way, and the sooner she herself is silenced the better, for as long as that pair are alive they will always be a menace to us."
"I quite agree," said the red-haired widow. "You said that many weeks ago."
"Well, it is all in Bernie's hands. It's no use getting the insurance company to pay without taking due precautions to protect ourselves, is it?" asked Boyne's wife.