"He's gone," said the inspector. "Leastways, I cannot find him, or any tidings of him."
The detective brightened up, as if by magic, and a sharp, ferrety expression came upon his face.
"What, already?" he said, quietly. "Have you posted a man at the station?"
"I did that last night," said the inspector.
"Then I must have that light trap at once, if you please, gentlemen," said Mr. Dockett.
Hurriedly, the party left the station and ran down the path to the village.
"For whom are you looking?" asked Mr. Thaxton of the detective.
"Mr. Leicester Dodson," said the detective, shortly. "It was his hat, and he was seen on the cliff road."
"But--but," said the captain, "it is impossible!"
The detective glanced at him, and smiled.
"Nothing's impossible in a murder, sir. I think I can get a trap or a horse here quicker than going up to the Park. Here, saddle me a horse, sharp, boy, and I'll give you a shilling."
There was confusion instantly all round the "Blue Lion", at the door of which stood Martha, grim and fierce, as usual.
A horse was saddled, and, after giving a few instructions to the inspector, Detective Dockett dashed off.
The captain looked at Mr. Thaxton with perplexity and dismay.
"This is preposterous and ridiculous! Mr. Leicester Dodson is the most respected man in the place."
"The course the detective is adopting is inevitable," he said. "We had better go to the Cedars, and see his father or mother."
"Come along, then," said the captain, who seemed all excitement and indignation, and the two gentlemen hurried off.
At the gates of the Cedars they found a policeman, and it was some moments before he would permit them to pass.
At last they succeeded in overcoming his scruples, and made their way to the house.
Mrs. Dodson came to them, pale and agitated, but her scorn at the mere idea of Leicester's committing such a deed helped to keep her up.
She answered all their questions as she had done those of the inspector.
"Leicester is not here," she said, "and I cannot tell you where he is. He often goes away suddenly and unexpectedly. He may be in London, but, if he is, he will come down at once. I have telegraphed for him and his father, who went up with Mr. Lennox. What is all this silly story about a murder, Captain Murpoint?"