"All these things look suspicious," assented Herries, "yet, since Kyles was willing to give up Maud, for whom he had no affection, and since Sir Simon was willing to pay the price, I do not see the motive for the commission of the crime."
"It is strange. What does Captain Kyles say himself?"
"I have not seen him yet. To-morrow, however, I am going on board the 'Tarabacca,' which lies off Tarhaven quay, out-stream, I believe. Then Kyles will explain. And Maud is to come with me."
Mrs. Mountford started to her feet.
"Impossible. If she meets Captain Kyles face to face, I don't know what would happen."
"I'll look after her," said Herries, who was determined that Maud should be brought face to face with her lover, so that everything should be cleared up in a proper manner. "I must know the truth, as I want to enter into possession of my property. Kyles evidently can tell me who killed my uncle, and I am going to see Ritson, as to getting four thousand pounds to bribe him into speaking the truth."
"He deserves no money after the way in which he has treated Maud."
"I quite agree with you," responded Herries dryly, "but beggars cannot be choosers. Apparently Kyles is the only man who can solve the mystery, so he must be paid."
"He will have to acknowledge himself guilty then," said Mrs. Mountford obstinately, "in which case he should be arrested."
"Certainly. And I may tell you that I intend to give information to Inspector Trent as to my engagement to see Kyles on board the yacht. He will come later in the evening, for I believe that the explanation will be given to-morrow night. If Kyles is guilty he will be arrested. But he won't confess unless he gets the money, so I must enlist the services of Ritson to procure it, and take it on board. I can get it back if your surmise is correct."