"Well, he got to Hawick, where we lost trace of him, but I think it's impossible that he went farther north. Have you any ground for suspecting who brought him the warning?"
"None," said Andrew shortly.
"I'm glad I can take your word, Mr. Johnstone. Now I must ask you to tell me about your recent adventures on the sands. You see, I'm in touch with Lieutenant Rankine and the coastguards."
Andrew related what had happened, and his companion looked satisfied.
"You don't seem to know that Williamson's body was washed up on the Colvend shore, a few hours ago."
"Oh!"
"The man who could have told us most has gone. Our hope now is to catch Staffer."
"You'd better make Appleyard your headquarters while you're looking into things," Andrew said. "We have nothing to hide."
"Thanks; I'll be glad to do so. It may be some satisfaction for you to learn that no unnecessary publicity will be allowed to attend this matter."
The next day, the officer told Andrew that Staffer's car had been found on the roadside, near a small fishing village on the Northumberland coast.