A smile lit up Mannering's face. "There's the old coach-house at the bottom of the paddock next to my cottage. It has a door opening on to the main road. There would be room, too, in my stables, if I had not fitted them up as workshops for my tyre experiments."
"Stop rotting," I said, "the inspector really means it."
He became grave instantly. "Sorry I can't suggest a likely spot," he said, and then for a few minutes he answered the questions the detective put to him as to what he had seen of the Pirate.
He could give little information of any value, and when Inspector Forrest had elicited all that he could, he thanked Mannering and rose to depart. I accompanied him to the garden gate. He appeared a little loth to leave me. Twice he turned away and returned to make some objectless remark to me. The third time he blurted out—
"About that suggestion of yours—taking night rides on the chance of being held up——"
"Yes?" I said and waited.
"I wish I had a good fast car at my disposal," he continued earnestly; "but the Yard would never run to it."
I felt a pleasant thrill run through me. It would be good to have his companionship and assistance in working out my self-imposed vow.
"If you can make use of it, I will see that the best car money can buy is placed at your disposal," I replied eagerly.
He took my hand and shook it warmly. "I'll see what my chief says," he replied. "When can I see you again?"