"I don't like doing things in a hurry," said Halliday uneasily. "I want to question Mrs. Jarsell, and see if she knows anything."
"If she does, which is doubtful, she will assuredly refuse to speak. So far, I see no connection between her and the gang."
"You forget the perfume."
"H'm, yes," said Laurance meditatively, "perhaps you are right. I want to have more evidence before I can give an opinion. But since Penn told you so much, aren't you in danger from the gang yourself, Dan?"
"I think not. Penn, for his own sake, will hold his tongue. At all events he has not moved so far."
"That doesn't say he won't move. I should examine that aeroplane very carefully before the race, if I were you."
"Oh, I'll do that. I know the machine thoroughly by this time, and if it has been tampered with I shall soon spot the trickery. Well, now that I have brought you up to date with my information I shall leave you to work."
"One moment. Is Miss Moon going to see you start for York?"
"Yes. I got a letter from her this morning. She and Mrs. Bolstreath come to the aviation ground with Lord Curberry, confound him," and with a frown, Dan took his leave. He was anything but amiably disposed towards his rival. Everything was quiet as regards the criminal business for the next two days, as Penn made no attempt to punish Dan for the fright he had given him. Halliday himself was much too eager over the race to trouble about the matter, but he kept a sharp eye on the Vincent machine, still stored at Blackheath, so as to guard against any tampering. The start was to take place at Blackheath, and on the appointed day five competitors were on the spot surrounded by a large crowd of curious people anxious to witness the conquest of the air. Amongst those present was Durwin, who pushed his way to where Dan was looking over his aeroplane. The aviator did not see the lean, keen-eyed man until he was touched on the elbow. "Is it all right, Halliday?" asked Durwin, nodding toward the machine. "Perfect. She's a beauty, and it won't be her fault if I don't lift York Minster before sunset. What are you doing here, Mr. Durwin? I didn't know that you took an interest in aviation."
"I take an interest in this search for Moon's assassin," said Durwin drily, but in low tones. "Laurance saw me and related your discovery. I am looking about for Marcus Penn and intend to ask him questions."