"Ten miles."
"Much about a muchness," said Merrick. "Did you tell Strent you had ridden from Starby?"
"Yes, I had no reason to conceal my movements."
"Quite so. Well, according to Rose Gernon, it was your horse Strent took to escape."
"It was. I wonder he did not take the horse of Felix."
"For a very simple reason! He knew when the alarm was given that you and Denham would go to Marshminster; therefore to hide his trail the better he went back with your horse to Starby."
"Do you think so?"
"I am sure of it. Go to the livery stable at Starby where you hired your horse, and I am certain you'll find it there, restored by Strent."
"Well," said I, in no wise satisfied, "suppose we trace him to Starby. That will be no use. No doubt he took the train there to London."
"Very probably," said Merrick coolly, "and waited there for Rose Gernon."