When he had got a safe distance from me, I emerged and, crossing the road quickly, hastened after him. Rayner was in waiting and would, no doubt, take up the chase.
Yet when he approached the corner I saw that he suddenly crossed to where the red light showed, and entering the car, which was evidently waiting for him, was driven swiftly off to the right in the direction of Christchurch.
Rayner met me in breathless haste a few moments after the car had turned the corner, saying—
"I didn't know that car was waiting for him, sir. It only pulled up a moment ago."
"Was anybody in it?"
"Only the driver."
"Did you take the number?"
"Yes, sir. It's local, we'll soon find out its owner."
"You must do so," I said. "The police will help you. But do you know who that man was?"