“Haven’t we met before?” the latter said at last. “Surely on the road from The Nest to Uckfield——”
The other smiled.
“Yes,” he replied. “And I followed you back to town, and to this hotel. Afterwards I tried to find out your name, and who you were, but failed. I hope you will forgive me, Mr. Blenkiron; but I should like you to know I followed you at Hopford’s request.”
The three burst out laughing.
“So you, Blenkiron,” Hopford exclaimed, “are the rascal whose identity has so puzzled us! Really, this is amusing.”
Whisky was produced, and soon all three were on the best of terms.
“Have you heard the latest about the house with the bronze face?” Blenkiron asked presently.
“No, what?” Hopford answered eagerly.
“Alix Stothert, Camille Lenoir, and a girl of quite good family, and well-known in Society—I am not at liberty to tell you her name—and several others were arrested there about six o’clock this evening for being accomplices in attempted blackmail. In connection with the blackmail charge any number of people we know are likely to be involved. The names of three you will, I expect, guess at once.”
“J. and Co.”