Things will never settle down properly till this matter is
disposed of."
That, of course, was obvious to them all, but all had the same feeling
that he had already suffered enough in the matter.
But consideration of the Doctor's suggestion in all its aspects only
served to convince them that, if any such scheme was to be carried out,
it could only be done among themselves, and its dangers were obvious.
It was not a matter to be lightly undertaken by any man. For whoever
undertook the role of decoy, undoubtedly took his life in his hands; and
they spent many evenings over it.
The Vicar was absolutely against the idea, but had no alternative to
suggest.
"It is simply playing with death," said he, "and no man has a right to
do that."
"It means a good deal for the Island if we can clear it up," said the
Senechal.
But, by degrees, they got to discussion of how it might be done, and
from that to the actual doing was only a heroic step.
The decoy's head must be well padded, of course, for the heads of both
victims had been the points of attack.
He must be well armed also, and being forewarned and more, he ought to
be able to give a certain account of himself.
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