But it was conjectured that the two occupants had proceeded on foot to Tilbury.
A boatman was found who related that he had taken a lady and gentleman across to Gravesend, and that the gentleman walked a trifle lame.
They landed on the Gravesend shore, and here the boatman lost sight of them.
It was the lady who paid his fare, and he said that she appeared to be quite calm.
He did not see the face of the man, but described that of Anne and her dress also.
There was no doubt but what she was the fugitive.
However, here the trail ended.
Once in Gravesend, and all trace of the pair was lost.
Steel made inquiries everywhere, but without success.
The two might have got away in a ship, but this he could not learn.
The night was foggy and dark, and no ship had gone out of the river, according to the boatmen.
Steel could discover nothing, and resolved to throw up the case.
But at the eleventh hour he stumbled on a clue, and followed it up.
The result of his inquiries made him return at once to Rickwell, where he sought out Mr. Morley.
The little man had sent his wife and family away from The Elms, as the atmosphere of the house was melancholy in the extreme.
Mrs. Morley, not averse to more cheerful surroundings, elected to go to Brighton with the triplets, and took two servants with her. Morley remained behind with a reduced staff, and promised to join her later. He desired to wait until he could see the detective.
His wish was speedily gratified, for three days after the departure of his wife Steel made his appearance.
Morley received him in the library.
"How do you do, sir?" said the detective, as they shook hands. "I am glad to see that you are looking better."
"I am getting over the shock," replied the other, "now that the poor child is buried; there is no use mourning further.
I have sent my wife and family to Brighton and propose to follow myself in a day or so."
"I am lucky to have caught you, then?"
"What?
Have you found any clue?"
"I think so.
It is connected with the Scarlet Cross."
Morley, who was warming his hands over the fire, looked round eagerly, and his eyes flashed.
"I thought there was something in that reference.
You remember the letter, Steel?"
"Yes.
And I showed it to Mrs. Parry."
"To that meddlesome old woman.
Why?"
"It's too long a matter to go into.
But it was just as well I did.
She gave me this little ornament."
Morley turned over the enamelled cross and examined it carefully.
"Humph!
It is the kind of thing Miss Denham said was worn by her dead father."
"Exactly.
Well, Mr. Morley, either the father is dead as she told you and that cross was worn by a stranger, or the man who called to see you here was the father."
"How do you make that out?
What do you mean?" said Morley, and his face exhibited genuine amazement.
For answer Steel related what Mrs. Parry had told him about the discovery of the cross, and how she had put two and two together.
"And now, sir, you must see that in some way this stranger is connected with the crime.
He called to see you.
May I ask what you know of him?"
"Absolutely nothing," replied the other emphatically. "Wait!
I must show you something." He rose and went to his desk. "Of course, I am telling you my private business," he added, opening a drawer, "so don't please speak about it."
"If it has nothing to do with the murder I won't; but if——"