"How are we to retrace our steps in this fog?"
"Petterby Road is just round the corner, and by keeping to the railings of the gardens we are bound to find the house."
It was as Vernon said. They had raced in a straight line down to the grocer's shop at the corner and had not left Petterby Road until they went to the telegraph office. On recovering the bearings of the first shop they carefully felt their way up the road, reading on every gate the designation of each house. In this way, and after some ten or twelve minutes had elapsed, they managed to strike Siddons Villa and again found themselves at the front door. It was closed, as also was the window.
"I hope Gail has not run away also," said Vernon ringing the bell.
"Do you suspect he has anything to do with the business?"
"Who knows? On the face of it he looks innocent, and Maunders certainly swore that the old man was ignorant. But Maunders is a liar and----"
Here the door was cautiously opened, and the white face of Professor Gail became visible. "Who is there?" he asked in a trembling voice.
"Mr. Vernon and Colonel Towton," said the latter gentleman; "we have returned to get our hats and to explain."
"You won't fire any more pistols? My wife is almost fainting, and I don't like this sort of business. What does it----"
"Open the door, open the door!" cried the Colonel testily; "you shall have a full explanation."