CHAPTER VIII

DICK WENT back to the house soon after this and interviewed Larkin, the caretaker, on Derrick’s doorstep. “No, sir, nothing to report; nobody’s been here.” “You haven’t had a telephone message telling you to go to Timbuctoo?” asked Dick. Larkin had told him of a telephone message that he had received from Mr. Derrick recently—of which Mr. Derrick later disclaimed any knowledge. “That won’t happen, sir. Mr. Derrick has arranged a code word. I don’t take any orders unless that is used.” “A most admirable idea,” said …