CHAPTER XIV.
THE SERPENT.
Monckton slipped away at the dawn, and was off to Derby to prepare first-rate disguises.
At Derby, going through the local papers, he found lodgings offered at a farm-house to invalids, fresh milk and eggs, home-made bread, etc.

The place was within a few miles of Clifford Hall.

Monckton thought this would suit him much better than being too near.

When his disguises were ready, he hired a horse and dog-cart by the month, and paid a deposit, and drove to the place in question.

He put some shadow under his eyes to look more like an invalid.