That, of course, was obvious to them all, but all had the same feeling that he had already suffered enough in the matter.
But consideration of the Doctor's suggestion in all its aspects only served to convince them that, if any such scheme was to be carried out, it could only be done among themselves, and its dangers were obvious.
It was not a matter to be lightly undertaken by any man. For whoever undertook the rôle of decoy, undoubtedly took his life in his hands; and they spent many evenings over it.
The Vicar was absolutely against the idea, but had no alternative to suggest.
"It is simply playing with death," said he, "and no man has a right to do that."
"It means a good deal for the Island if we can clear it up," said the Sénéchal.
But, by degrees, they got to discussion of how it might be done, and from that to the actual doing was only a heroic step.
The decoy's head must be well padded, of course, for the heads of both victims had been the points of attack.
He must be well armed also, and being forewarned and more, he ought to be able to give a certain account of himself.
And then the Doctor and the Sénéchal would be close at hand and on the keen look-out for emergencies.