"He knows better than that," said Tait, to whom the letter was shown; "he is aware that we have cut the ground from under his feet so far as Jenny is concerned. Moreover, I am certain that he is the author of that anonymous letter of a few days since."
"Do you really think he came here to ask Miss Paynton to keep silence?" asked Claude, returning the letter to his pocket.
"My dear fellow, I am certain of it. And he also wishes to show us that he knows Paynton, so as to warn us against asking questions in that quarter."
"Indeed, I think it is useless to do so," said Larcher doubtfully; "you know we called yesterday and were refused admittance."
"Oh, I spoke to Mr. Linton about that," replied Tait easily; "it seems that such is invariably the case, as this hermit will see no one."
"Why? What can be his reason for such persistent seclusion?"
"I can't say, unless your surmise is correct, and he is Jeringham."
"I am sure he is," said Claude emphatically. "Why was the bundle of newspapers containing an account of the murder found in his house? What is Denis Bantry doing there if Paynton is not Jeringham?"
"The shoe is on the other foot," remarked Tait dryly. "What is Denis Bantry doing there if Paynton is Jeringham? You forget, Claude, that we suspect Jeringham as the criminal. If this were so, or if Paynton were Jeringham, I hardly think your father's devoted servant would be at his beck and call, unless," added Tait, as an after thought, "Denis Bantry is also implicated, as we imagine."
"I can't understand it," cried Claude, catching up his hat; "in place of growing clearer, the matter seems to become more involved. How do you intend to proceed? It seems to me that we are at a dead stop."
"By no means, my dear fellow. There is Kerry, alias Denis Bantry, to be examined. We must learn the truth from him."
"He won't tell it! Particularly if our suspicions are correct."
"Perhaps not, but I have provided against that failure. You must appeal to him as the son of his old master, while I am absent."
"Can't you guess? To Horriston, of course, in order to pick up what information I can. There are sure to be people still alive who remember your father and mother; who recollect the trial, and are still acquainted with Mr. Hilliston. I expect to learn a good deal about that gentleman there; and perhaps something about Jeringham and his disappearance."