"He gave me an accurate description of Mr. Meason," said Hurd, "and I am certain I saw him come in."
The hall porter shook his head.
"I was here when you came downstairs and I didn't see him."
"It's very strange," said the Inspector, looking at the detective.
"Are you sure he's the man you followed, that he came in here?"
"We both saw him," said the detective dryly.
"If it is the man, he's been precious quick undressing and getting into bed," said the Inspector doubtfully.
Several people were in the hall. The explosion roused them. They made anxious inquiries; the manager assured them.
Carl Meason listening upstairs little knew what a narrow escape he had. He was not aware he was followed as he hurried back to the hotel nor was he aware that an accurate description of him was in the hands of the police.
It was Valentine Braund, the American millionaire, who had given information to the authorities. He had been to Little Trent the day after Meason left the Sherwood Inn, and a piece of paper found in Carl's room by Abel Head confirmed his suspicions that the man was Karl Shultz who he was convinced was the organizer of the explosion at the Valentine Steel Works. He had asked Head to give him the paper. It did not appear to be of much importance but the name Mannie Kerrnon was written on it. Braund knew this was the woman who worked with Shultz, and his interest became active. He was a determined man and had made up his mind never to forget Shultz. He had already spent money freely trying to find him. He left Head very much mystified and proceeded to interview Tom Thrush.
Thrush recognized him and as usual scented money. Braund proceeded cautiously, asking all sorts of questions about the country, Mr. Chesney, and the stud, also speaking of the two matches at Newmarket which he saw decided.