Giles could not help laughing at the introduction of the good lady's name.
She seemed to be mixed up with everything.
He could not be sorry for Denham, as he was only meeting with his deserts.
"But Anne—where can she be?" he asked Steel, as they stepped into the cart.
"I wish I knew," said Steel gloomily. "I had an idea that Morley was playing me false."
"Do you think he is in league with Denham?"
"I am sure of it.
That is the portion of the case of which I have not spoken to you.
You'll hear what Denham says.
Now that Morley has left him in the lurch Denham will reveal Morley's connection with these matters.
But Morley has secured a hostage in the person of Miss Anne.
He has taken her away somewhere.
His wife may know of his whereabouts.
After we have seen Denham we'll speak of her."
"Since when have you had suspicions of Morley?"
"Since I investigated this Scarlet Cross case.
I have found one or two of the gang who, like Dane, are willing to turn King's evidence to save themselves.
It was one of them called Scott who told me of Dane's coming on the motor-bicycle to Rickwell.
But later on you shall hear all.
Let me round off the case by arresting Denham." Here Steel scratched his head and smiled ruefully. "But I fear the case will not be finished till Morley is caught, and where am I to look for him?
I wish I had had him watched. He has been too clever for me.
I might have known.
As Joe Bart he was one of the smartest detectives in London."
After this speech Steel began to think, and as he seemed impatient of interruption, Giles said nothing.
In due time they arrived at the door of the Priory.
It was close on five o'clock.
Steel rang the bell, and as he did so a couple of policemen came round the corner for orders.
Steel told them to wait in the hall while he saw Denham.
"I don't think he can show fight with a broken leg," said Steel grimly.
As he spoke the door opened.
Portia with her freckled face swollen with weeping appeared.
She did not seem astonished at the sight of the men in uniform.
Perhaps she had seen them lurking in the neighborhood and knew what to expect.
"Come in," she said sullenly to Steel and his companion. "My father expects you."
"Who told him I was coming?" asked Steel.
"I don't know," she answered, and led the way up the stairs.
On the landing she turned viciously. "If father had not broken his leg, you would not have found us here," she declared.
"I quite believe that," retorted Steel.
"And you needn't have brought those beasts of men," continued the girl, with a glance at the police in the hall. "We are all alone.
Dowse and his wife and daughter ran away whenever they heard there was trouble."
"Oh, they are mixed up in this affair also."
"I don't know.
I shan't say anything, for I don't know nothing."
She sullenly led the way through a long corridor and opened the door of a sitting-room.
Here on a sofa with a small table at his elbow lay Denham.
His leg was swathed in bandages, and he wore a loose dressing-gown.
As they entered he laid down a book and looked at them.
His face was worn, his hair was quite grey, but the brilliance of his eyes were undimmed, and he spoke in a masterful manner.
"Here you are, Steel," he said coolly. "Got the warrant?"
"How do you know I have a warrant?" asked the other, taken aback.