would wait. Mensmore could not escape him now. Perhaps the business might be managed without the dramatic features which would accompany an immediate arrest. And there were some things that required explanation. If his Monte Carlo acquaintance really killed Lady Dyke, then he was the strangest criminal whom Bruce had ever encountered during the course of his varied career.

The policeman misinterpreted his expression.

"You can't laugh at us this time, Mr. Bruce," he cried. "Scotland Yard and yourself evolved the same theory, eh? And we can't fly off to the South of France as readily as you."

"Your skill is profound, no doubt. Indeed, I wonder at it, considering the mysterious way in which the missing man left his address at the post-office."

The other reddened. "That was simple enough, I know; but we were on his track before that."

"By watching me when I visited his sister."

"You saw me outside the Jollity Theatre, then?"

"Of course. What did you expect?"

Mr. White recovered his placidity. "There's no use quarrelling about it," he laughed. "I did get that wrinkle from you. But how on earth were we to know what to do, when there were seventy-one flats occupied by respectable people, and one closed for months, the caretaker told us."

"I hope you have ceased your surveillance so far as I am concerned."

"Honor bright, sir. I won't do it again. Besides, we must lay hands on Corbett sooner or later."

"What steps are you taking?"

"The Monte Carlo police are making inquiries. They have his description. It has also gone to America."

"Why America?"

"Because he spent some time there. He only returned from the States early last year. His sister has not seen him for years, and a rare old row they had when he turned up. He had not much money, so she helped him, and he settled down for a time in the same mansions as herself."

"Who told you all this?"

"Mrs. Hillmer, and a precious lot of trouble she gave me. She is a clever woman that."

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