"If you had, I presume you would not have chosen it for the scene of your exploits," I replied.
The expression of astonishment which spread over his features at my rejoinder was so perfect that I felt all my suspicions begin to crumble away.
"I don't follow you," he remarked.
His manner was either the result of one of the best pieces of acting I had ever seen in my life, or due to absolute unconsciousness of my meaning. It made me remember that though there were undoubtedly suspicious circumstances connecting him with the Motor Pirate, yet so far there was not one iota of direct evidence. I thought it best to temporize.
"Oh," I remarked; "I was only referring to your attempts to cut the records with your old car."
He smiled calmly before replying. "You may be nearer the truth than you think. I've had a new motor fixed in the car—an idea of my own, and I find she travels at quite a decent pace. That's why I left home last night. After the rain I thought the roads would certainly be clear enough to give me the opportunity of making a fair test. The engine is a model of the one I have designed for the new car which I mentioned—last night was it? No; the night before."
I was fairly staggered at his assurance. His demeanour was entirely without the suggestion of his being in any way aware that he was an object of suspicion.
"Were you not afraid of meeting the Pirate? I heard he was abroad last night," I said.
"Afraid!" he remarked witheringly. "Afraid! All I am afraid of is, that some of your Scotland Yard friends will be beforehand with me in his capture, and that is an adventure which has a particular appeal to me, since he left his mark upon me here." He tapped his shoulder significantly. "I have promised myself to repay this injury with interest."
"Well, I suppose we are as likely to meet him here as anywhere," I ventured to remark.