"Oh." Kind gave a shrewd glance at his companion, and became meditative. "He argues in that way, does he? It does him credit: no fool, I should say. But why," asked Kind, wheeling round, "does he take the trouble to defend Mr. Herries?"
"That's what I have been asking myself," said the doctor, dryly.
"Does he know Mr. Herries?"
"No. He has never set eyes on him."
"Queer," murmured the Cheap-jack with his hands in his pockets and his eyes on the ground. "I must have a look at this Captain."
"You will see him at the inquest to-morrow, along with Miss Tedder and Mrs. Mountford, who is the young lady's companion."
Kind nodded absently, being still occupied with the problem of Kyles' unsolicited defence of the accused man.
"Where are you going now, doctor?" he asked, as they neared the town.
"To see Mr. Ritson, the solicitor of Sir Simon. I wish to ask him if he has any knowledge of what took Sir Simon to the inn."
"He won't know," rejoined Kind, shaking his head decisively. "If Sir Simon had intended to let Mr. Ritson know, he would have made the appointment at his office. The 'Marsh Inn,' and his giving no name, and carrying a large sum of money, and the kidnapping of Armour, all hint at blackmailing."