`I've got to separate the nonsense and the happenings of pure chance from the really ugly angle of the business. Chance started it, and murder only finished it; that's what I think. I must show you the absurd part of it, and then you can judge whether I'm right. But first there are two things to be done.'
`What?'
`Can you communicate with that man you have on guard at Arbor's cottage?' the doctor asked, abruptly.
`Yes. Through the local police station.'
'Get in touch with him. Tell him, far from keeping in the background, to make himself as conspicuous as possible. But under no circumstances — even if he is hailed to go near Arbor or make himself known to Arbor.'
`What's the purpose of that?'
`I don't believe Arbor's in any danger. But obviously he thinks he is. He also thinks the police haven't any idea where he is. You see, there's something that man knows, which for one reason or another he wouldn't tell us. If he notices your man lurking about his cottage, he'll jump to the conclusion that it's his enemy. 'If he tries calling the local police, they will find nobody — naturally. It's rather rough on him, but we've got to terrify him into telling what he knows. Sooner or later he'll seek your protection, and by that time we shall be able to get the truth.'
`That,' said the chief inspector, grimly, `is the only good suggestion you've made so far. I'll do it'
'It can't do any harm. If he is, in danger, the obvious presence of a guard will have a salutary effect on the enemy. If he does call the local police and there's a real enemy about, the police can have a look for the real enemy while they pass up your own man… The next thing, we've got to pay a very brief visit to Driscoll's flat.
`If you're thinking something is hidden there, I can tell you that my men will find it more easily than we can ever'