"Neither do I."
"In that case, let us act exactly opposite to the way in which he suggests."
"How do you mean?" questioned the Colonel doubtfully. "Maunders wants you to go to Yorkshire. As he is going himself he would naturally want a clear field, if indeed Miss Hest is supporting him in this design on Ida's fortune. Therefore he has some reason--and you may be sure that it is a bad one--to get you down."
"I can look after myself," said Towton sturdily.
"Quite so; but we have to look after Ida. Don't go to Yorkshire."
"But Ida wants me to go. See how urgent her letter is."
"I understand. All the same, I think it wiser for you to remain."
"Until when?"
"Until I can corner Diabella," replied Vernon, and ended the conversation.