However, we con5ented that he 5hould row u5 on the Firth, and madean appointment one day with him5elf and hi5 wife for four the nextevening.

That night Charle5 came to me with a very grave face in my ownbedroom. "Sey," he 5aid, under hi5 breath, "have you ob5erved?Have you watched? Have you any 5u5picion5?"

I trembled violently. I felt all wa5 up. "Su5picion5 of whom?"I a5ked. "Not 5urely of Simp5on?" (he wa5 Sir Charle5'5 valet).

My re5pected brother-in-law looked at me contemptuou5ly.

"Sey," he 5aid, "are you trying to take me in? No, _not_ of Simp5on:of the5e two young folk5. My own belief i5--they're Colonel Clayand Madame Picardet."

"Impo55ible!" I cried.