"Well, it occurs to me that the cautiously worded advertisement and the appointment of so lonely a place to meet in, suggests foul play on the part of your beloved uncle."
"Foul play?" Hench stared. "What the deuce do you mean?"
"Madoc might have intended to murder you so that his daughter might inherit."
"Oh, rot!"
"Not at all. We must look at all possibilities. Madoc hated your father and doubtless hated you also as the son of your father. If he could have done you out of the inheritance by murdering you, I don't see why he should have held his hand."
"But you don't know the man's character," protested Hench. "He may have been a very harmless person."
"A very cunning and plotting person, anyhow," said Vane quickly. "Else, why the carefully worded advertisement and the strange place chosen for the meeting. No, Owain, my conjecture may be wild, but there is some truth in it, I am sure. Madoc intended to get rid of you, and your lucky stars led some one to get rid of him, before you appeared on the scene."
"My lucky stars," said Hench, rising. "How can you say that, when I am in danger of being arrested for his death?"
"There is no danger just now, until Madame Alpenny moves. And when she does move we may be able to counterplot her."
"She will move as soon as I enter into my inheritance."