“Quite so, sir. I understand.”
“And you think our proposed plan of action will do, Simon?”
“First class, sir; that is, if we keep silent, Mr Goodall.”
“Everything depends on that,” were the detective’s parting words.
Of course the rumours referred to by Maria and others about the flying men and their quixotic performances at Haywards Heath, were not overlooked by Warner, who thought the fugitives might have harboured the idea of escaping through the air, or of carrying off by that route some fair Sussex maiden. However, Warner had arrived at the definite conclusion that Falcon and Croft had quite abandoned any scheme of making their exit by an aerial contrivance, and felt certain, even if Hawksworth might have been doubtful on the subject, that the financier and his confederate would make for Newhaven, and rely upon a sea passage across the Channel.
Warner heard that Hawksworth had been down instituting inquiries at Haywards Heath; but the palace policeman had no sooner endorsed Harry Goodall’s proposed plan for Warner’s line of action, than the latter decided upon making straightway for the South Coast, and of there going to work, not only in the immediate vicinity of the railway stations and the place of departure for the steamboats, but his observations would extend beyond—as far as Seaford.
CHAPTER XVII
ALARMING INCIDENTS
Who could blame Simon Warner for being behind his appointed time with the squire, when he had to interview the doctor? Warner found him in a much more amenable spirit; he seemed almost persuaded that he had been victimised, and went so far as to impart some special information to the detective on the condition of silence. Doctor Peters adding that he would himself inform the squire when and how he thought most fitting.
On Warner’s return to the Hall, the squire took him round the library, and gave him a list of what had disappeared, with the numbers of a roll of bank notes. This done, Warner took leave and proceeded on his mission.
Meanwhile Edith and Mr Goodall were strolling together through the park in the direction of the balloon on the excuse of inspecting it, but more probably to enjoy each other’s society.