"I have a reason." Julian rose to his feet, walked cautiously to the edge of the dyke, turned on his light, and looked downwards.

One part of the bridge remained; the other was caught in the weeds, a few yards down, and the single plank which formed its foundation was sawn through, clean and straight.

He gazed at it for a moment in astonishment.

Then he turned back towards the cottage, to receive another shock.

About forty yards up the lane, drawn in close to a straggling hedge, was a small motor-car, revealed to him by a careless swing of his torch.