On a long level stretch of road Meldon drew rapidly ahead and might have reached Ballymoy a whole mile in front of O'Donoghue if the pedal of Doyle's bicycle had not failed him again.

The accident gave the doctor his opportunity.

He came up with Meldon and asked his question.
"What difference will the judge make to Simpkins?
That's what I want to know, and I won't go on blindfold doing exactly what you tell me.
If I saw my way it would be different." "I can't explain the position fully to you," said Meldon, "without giving away a secret which isn't really mine; a secret which involves the honour of a lady.

But when I tell you that my plan for getting rid of Simpkins permanently involves my marrying him to Miss King, you'll no doubt be able to make out for yourself why it is absolutely necessary to keep Sir Gilbert Hawkesby out of Ballymoy.

Any intelligent man, able to put two and two together, ought to see the whole thing, especially if he's been reading the newspapers." O'Donoghue sat down on the bank at the side of the road and thought deeply.