"The man in grey" asked Ackworth, inquiringly.
"Ferdy told me about that," said Clarice, quickly. "I was going to ask you about the man. Why did he search your pockets?"
"I did not know at the time," said the doctor, gravely, "but I know now. Come this way." He walked into the drawing-room through the window. "We must speak softly, so that no one may overhear."
"But we are quite safe here," said Clarice, as Anthony closed the window; "why are you afraid doctor?"
"Walls have ears, my dear Miss Baird, and the remaining man of the triumvirate is clever and cunning."
"The remaining man," said Ackworth; "then another of the three is dead?"
Jerce nodded and sat down quietly. He looked somewhat upset. "It is a very unpleasant business," he said, anxiously, "and I am to blame in not having allowed Ferdinand to inform the police about the assault made on me the other night. Had the man in grey been arrested, this warning or threat might not have come. Also the fact of the box with the purple fern would have ensured his hanging, as one of the gang who committed those cruel murders. I am much to blame. All I can say is, that not until I returned to Harley Street on that night did I guess why the man in grey wanted to search my pockets."
"And why did he?" asked Clarice, who had been listening to this explanation with a puzzled look.
"That's a long story."
"Then begin at the beginning," said Ackworth, impetuously, "for I want to know everything so that I can see my way."