That was the weak part of their armor, but Grenier refused to admit the flaw.
"A naked man found in the sea--and he may never be found--has not necessarily been thrown from a balcony three hundred feet above sea level. The notion is grotesque. No constabulary brain could conceive it. And who is he? Not Philip Anson; Philip Anson is alive. Not Dr. Williams; any Scarsdale man will say that. And your best friend, Mason, would not take him for you."
But Mason was not satisfied. Better have buried the corpse on the lonely farm--in the garden for choice. Then they would know where he was. The sea was too vague.
Of pity for his victim he had not a jot. Had Philip Anson pitied him, or his wife, or his two children? They, too, were dead, in all probability. While in London he had made every sort of inquiry, but always encountered a blank wall of negation. John and William Mason, even if they lived, did not know he was their father. They were lost to him utterly.
Curse Philip Anson. Let him be forgotten, anyway. Yet he contrived to think of him during the nine weary miles over the moor, during the long wait at the railway station, and during the slow hours of the journey to London.
On arriving at York, Grenier secured a palatial suite at the Station Hotel, entering his name in the register as "Philip Anson."
He drove to the post office and asked if there was any message for "Grenier."
"Family still at Penzance. Persuaded friend that letter was only intended to create unpleasantness with uncle. He took same view and returned to town. Will say nothing."
Unsigned, it came from a town near Beltham. Grenier was satisfied. He lit a cigarette with the message.
At a branch post office he dispatched two telegrams.
"Will remain in the North for a few days. Too busy to write to-day. Full letter to-morrow. Love.
"Your message through Miss Atherley noted. Please suspend all inquiries. Affair quite unforeseen. Will explain by letter. Address to-day, Station Hotel, York.
Then he entered a bank and asked for the manager.
"My name may be known to you," he said to the official, at the same time handing his card.
"I suppose I can flatter myself with the definite article. I am staying here some few days, and wish to carry out certain transactions requiring large sums of money. I will be glad to act through your bank, on special terms, of course, for opening a short account."