The judge's was
strange. But Meldon held a belief that there is no problem so
difficult but will yield its solution to patient thought and tobacco.
He drew in and expelled rich clouds of smoke; and set himself to think
hard. The judge had recognised the impossibility of living in Doyle's
hotel. That was a plain and intelligible point from which to start.
He had gone straight to Ballymoy House, knowing that he would find Miss
King there. It was difficult to guess where he got his information;
but mere speculation on points of that kind was obviously useless. The
judge did know, and had made up his mind to settle down in Ballymoy as
Miss King's guest. Miss King had apparently received him; had even
gone out fishing with him. Meldon could find no explanation of the
facts except one, and it was extremely unsatisfactory. The judge must
have imposed himself on Miss King, and induced her to receive him by
means of threats. Such things have, no doubt, been done occasionally;
though rarely by judges. People, especially women with doubtful pasts,
are always open to threats of exposure, and may be induced to submit to
blackmail.
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