"As to what he has to do with the case--why did he
bolt? At any rate, I know where to find him now--and we may not
be too late after all."
"But who and what is this man?"
"He is Ali of Cairo! As to what he is--you will soon learn."
IV
THE HOUSE BY THE RIVER
On quitting the singular Oriental club, Harley had first raced
off to a public telephone, where he had spoken for some time--as
I now divined--to Scotland Yard. For when we presently arrived
at the headquarters of the Metropolitan Police, I was surprised
to find Inspector Wessex awaiting us. Leaning out of the cab
window:
"Yes?" called Harley excitedly. "Was I right?"
"You were, Mr. Harley," answered Wessex, who seemed to be no less
excited than my companion. "I got the man's reply an hour ago."
"I knew it!" said Harley shortly. "Get in, Wessex; we haven't a
minute to waste."
The Inspector joined us in the cab, having first given
instructions to the chauffeur. As we set out once more:
"You have had very little time to make the necessary
arrangements," continued my friend.
"Time enough," replied Wessex. "They will not be expecting us."
"I'm not so sure of it. One of the biggest villains in the
civilized world recognized me three minutes before I called you
up and then made good his escape.
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