The whole plot against old Mr. Henfrey was truly one of the most elaborate and amazing ones ever conceived by criminal minds.
Charles Benton was a little too well known in Nice, hence he took care to leave the place by an early train, and went on to Cannes, where he was a little less known. As an international crook he had spent several seasons at Nice and Monte Carlo, but had seldom gone to Cannes, as it was too aristocratic and too slow for an escroc like himself.
Arrived at Cannes he put up at the Hotel Beau Site, and that night ate an expensive dinner in the restaurant at the Casino. Then, next day, he took the train-de-luxe direct for Calais, and went on to London, all unconscious of the sensational events which were then happening.
On arrival in London he found a telegram lying upon his table among some letters. It was signed "Shaw," and urged him to meet him "at the usual place" at seven o'clock in the evening. "I know you are away, but I'll look in each night at seven," it concluded.
It was just six o'clock, therefore Benton washed and changed, and just before seven o'clock entered a little cafe off Wardour Street, patronized mostly by foreigners. At one of the tables, sitting alone, was a wiry-looking, middle-aged man--Mr. Howell, The Sparrow's friend.
"Well?" asked Howell, when a few minutes later they were walking along Wardour Street together. "How did you get on in Nice?"
"Had my journey for nothing."
"Wouldn't the old man tell anything?" asked Howell eagerly.
"Not a word," Benton replied. "But my firm opinion is that he himself tried to kill Yvonne--that he shot her."
"Do you really agree with me?" gasped Howell excitedly. "Of course, there has, all along, been a certain amount of suspicion against him. The police were once on the point of arresting him. I happen to know that."
"Well, my belief is that young Henfrey is innocent. I never thought so until now."
"Then we must prove Cataldi guilty, and Henfrey can marry Louise," Howell said. "But the reason I wanted to get in touch with you is that the police went to Shapley."
"To Shapley!" gasped Benton.
"Yes. They went there the night you left London. Evidently somebody has given you away!"
"Given me away! Who in the devil's name can it be? If I get to know who the traitor is I--I'll--by gad, I'll kill him. I swear I will!"
"Who knows? Some secret enemy of yours--no doubt. Molly has been arrested and has been up at Bow Street. They also arrested Louise, but there being no charge against her, she has been released. I've sent her up to Cambridge--to old Mrs. Curtis. I thought she'd be quite quiet and safe there for a time."