“That is possible,” said Featherstone.  “But you may find it difficult to get away from the rogue, since you must give him some kind of a clew.”

Foster laughed.  “I don’t mind the difficulty, sir.  In fact, I imagine, I’m going to enjoy the chase.”

“There’s a point that must be thought of.  If he goes to the police when he can’t find Lawrence, it would be awkward.  I should be no better off than I am now.”

“It’s unlikely.  So long as Daly sees the smallest chance of extorting money he’ll keep his secret.  The reason’s obvious.”

“Well,” said Featherstone, with feeling, “you are doing us a service we can’t repay.  I frankly don’t like the plan, because it can only work at your expense, but it will give us time and I can think of nothing else.”

Foster left him with a feeling of pleasant excitement.  He was doing his host a favor and this was something, but the adventure appealed to him for other reasons.  He had, in Canada, found scope for his energy in profitable work, but there was a reckless vein in him, and it was exhilarating to feel that he could now follow his bent, without being hampered by the necessity for making the undertaking pay.  After all, there was not much enjoyment in what one did for money, and he thought he was going to get some amusement out of the game.  Still, he did not want to leave the Garth.  Alice had treated him with a quiet friendliness he valued and he began to hope he was making some progress in her good opinion.  It was, however, comforting to feel that he was going to save her pain, and for the rest of the day he was conscious of a cheerfulness he tried to hide in view of the anxiety the others had to bear.

In the evening John put Lawrence’s traveling bag under a small table near the door in the hall and arranged the cloth so that it hung over and covered part of the bag but did not hide it altogether.  He took some trouble, and when he was satisfied it looked as if the bag had been carelessly placed where it would be out of sight but ready to be picked up quickly if its owner meant to leave the house in a hurry.  Moreover, if anybody thought it worth while to look under the table, the letters L.F. could be distinguished and Lawrence’s name was engraved upon the lock.  Foster, having learned from the railway guide when Daly would arrive, had arranged that he should be left alone for a minute or two in the hall.  If the fellow made good use of the time, so much the better.

After putting on a gray waterproof, leggings, and strong boots, Foster stood at the open door of his room until he heard Daly come in.  There was silence for the next minute, and then footsteps echoed along a passage as the visitor was taken to the library, where Featherstone would receive him, and Foster pulled out his watch.  As there was no town for some distance and Daly would not expect to be asked to stay, he no doubt intended to return to the station across the moor, where he could catch the last train.  Allowing for the long drive, he could not stop long at the Garth; but Foster must give Featherstone time enough.  The latter had a rather difficult part, because he must allow Daly to state his terms, and not reject them until the last moment.  He was too honest and too proud to dissemble well, but he was not a fool and there was much at stake.