"The man in London who supplies Walter Hine with money finds that Walter Hine is spending too much.

He therefore puts himself into communication with Garratt Skinner, of whom he has doubtless heard from Walter Hine.

Garratt Skinner travels to London, has an interview, and a concerted plan of action is agreed upon, which Garratt Skinner proceeds to put in action." He spoke so gravely that Sylvia turned anxiously toward him.
"What do you infer, then ?" she asked.
"That we are in very deep and troubled waters, my dear," he replied, but he would not be more explicit.

He had no doubt in his mind that the murder of Walter Hine had been deliberately agreed upon by Garratt Skinner and the unknown man in London.

But just as Sylvia had spared him during his months of absence, so now he was minded to spare Sylvia.