The lights came on again, and they went back to the director’s office.
“I don’t like Penne, for more reasons than one,” said Jack Knebworth. “I like him less since I’ve found that he’s better friends with Mendoza than I thought he was.”
“Who is Mendoza—the deposed star?”
The other nodded.
“Stella Mendoza—not a bad girl and not a good girl,” he said. “I’ve been wondering why Penne always gave us permission to use his grounds for shooting, and now I know. I tell you that that house holds a few secrets!”
Michael smiled faintly.
“One, at least, of them will be revealed to-night,” he said. “I am going to explore Griff Towers, and I do not intend asking permission of Sir Gregory Penne. And if I can discover what I believe is there to be discovered, Gregory Penne will sleep under lock and key this night!”
CHAPTER XIX
THE MIDNIGHT VISIT
Michael Brixan had had sent down to him from town a heavy suit-case, which contained precious little clothing. He was busy with its contents for half an hour, when the boots of the hotel announced the arrival of the motor-cycle that had been hired for him.
With a canvas bag strapped to his back, he mounted the machine, and was soon clear of the town, swerving through the twisting lanes of Sussex until he arrived at the Dower House, behind which he concealed his machine.