BigFoot

ByEdgarWallace

BigFoot

I. SOOPER

ItwasacoincidencethatSoopermadeacallatBarleyStackthisbrightspringmorning, for at that moment he knew nothing of the attempt to burgleMr.StephenElson'shouse,wasignorantthatsuchapersonasSullivanthetrampexisted,orthathiscrazycompanionincrimewaswanderingloosearoundthefaircountryside,singingfoolishlittlesongsaboutlove—andthoseinaforeignandunintelligiblelanguage.

ButBarleyStackhadforSooper thefascinationwhich theflamehas for themoth,or,abetterillustration,thebattlefortheveteranwar-horse.ThoughhemusthaveknownthatatthishourMr.CardewhadlongsincedepartedtotheCity, for Gordon Cardew, though retired from his profession, had the nineo'clockhabitineradicablyimplantedinhissystem.

NeverthelessSoopercalled.FailingamorepoignantthrillofcrossingswordswiththismanCardew,therewasgenerallyacertainamountofsatisfactionto

behadfromanencounterwithHannahShaw.Mr.Cardew'sattitudeofmindtowardshimwasoneofresentment,forSooperhadhurthim.Hannah,ontheotherhand,wasincapableoffeelingorexpressingthefinenuancesofpersonalregard,andhatedthisancientsuperintendentofpolicewitha loathingwhichsheneverattemptedtoconceal.

HannahstoodsquarelyintheporchofBarleyStack,andthemalignantlightinherbrowneyesmighthavespokenforher.Shewasawomanbelowmiddleheight and rather plump, and her black alpaca dress did not enhance hercomeliness.

Comelyshewas,inaway.Herheavyfacewasunlined,thethickblackfringeoverher foreheaduntingedwithgrey, thoughshewaswellpast forty. Ifherfeatureswerebig theywere regular,and inspiteofherproportions itwouldhavebeenunfairtodescribeherasdumpy.

"Niceweatherwe'rehavin',"murmuredSooper.Heleantlanguidlyagainsthisdilapidatedmotor-bicycle,hiseyeshalfclosedasthough,inthewarmthofthemorningand thebeautyof the surroundings, hewaspredisposed to takehissiesta."Andthegarden'slookinglovelytoo.Neverseensomanydaffydilsasyou'vegot in thepark,andcarnations too!Gotagoodgardener, I'llbet.Mr.Cardewin?"

"No,heisn't!"

"Outfollowin'thetrailoftheBoscombeBank-hold-up,I'llbet!"saidSooper,shakinghisheadinsimulatedadmiration."SoonasIsawthathold-upinthepapers,Isaidtomysergeant,'ItwantsamanlikeMisterCardewtotrailthatgang—ord'nary police couldn't do it. They'd never find a clue—they'd bebaffledfromthestart.'"

"Mr. Cardew has gone to his office, as you very well know, Minter," shesnapped,hereyesblazing."Hehassomethingbettertodothanwastehistimeonpolicework.Wepayratesandtaxesforthepolice,andapreciouslotofusethey are! An incompetent, ignorant lot of men who haven't even aneducation!"

"Can'thaveeverything,"saidSoopersadly."Standstoreason,Mrs.Shaw—"

"MissShaw!"Hannahalmostshoutedthecorrection.

"Alwaysthinkofyouthatway,"saidSooperapologetically."Iwasonlysayin'tomysergeanttheotherday, 'Whythatyoungladydoesn'tgetmarriedbeatsme:she'syoung—'"

"I'venotimetowasteonyou,Minter—"

"MisterMinter,"suggestedSoopergently.

"If you've anymessage forMr. Cardew I'll take it—otherwise, I've a lot ofworktodoandIcan'twastemytimewithyou."

"Anyburglaries?"askedSooperasshehalf-turnedtogo.

"No,therearen'tanyburglaries,"sheansweredshortly."Andiftherewere,weshouldn'tsendforyou."

"I'llbetyouwouldn't,"saidSooperfervently."I'llbetMr.Cardewwouldjusttakethesizeoftheburglar'sfootprintan'lookhimupinhisbookonanthro—whateverthewordis,an'thepoornutwouldbepinchedbeforenight."

MissHannahShawturnedroundonhiminafury.

"If you think you're being clever, let me tell you that there are people inLondon who canmake you look small,Minter. IfMr. Cardewwent to theSecretaryofStateand toldhimhalfof the thingsyoudoandsay,he'dhaveyourcoatoffyourbackbeforetheendoftheweek!"

Sooperexaminedhissleevecritically.

"What'sthematterwithit?"heasked,assheslammedthedoorviciouslyinhisface.

Sooperdidnotsmile,norwasheannoyed.Insteadhefilledhisfoulpipewithgreat deliberation, gazed admiringly at the glorious colouring of the springflowersthatfilledeverybedinsight,and,stoppingonlylongenoughtofixastolenpimpernelinthelapelofhiswornjacket,wentnoisilydownthedrivetothemainroad.

Half an hour later: "When aman's got tomy age 'n' exalted position," saidSooper,blinkingrapidlyatthesober-facedyoungofficerwhosatontheothersideof the table,"he'sentitled tobe temp'ramental. I'mtemp'ramental today.There's a touch of spring in the air, an' I'll bet I didn't hear a cuckoo lastSunday?Andwhen there's cuckoosaroundand thebluebells aregrowing inthewoods, I'm temp'ramental.Besides, I've justhada talkwith theBelleofBarleyStack,andmyhead's fullof sentimental ideas.Youaskme togiveagoodlookatthisheretrampan'IreplythatI'dsoonergochasingprimrosesontheriver'sbrink."

Sooperwastallandangularandveryuntidy.Hissuithadbeenanoldoneinpre-war days, and now, cleaned and turned, was amockery of clothes. Hislank, brown face and awkwardgrey eyebrowsgavehimadistinctionwhichhisgarbdidmuchtodissipate.HannahShaw'scontemptforhiswardrobewasoneofhisdearestjoys.

There were many superintendents of police, but when you spoke inMetropolitan Police circles of Sooper, you meant Superintendent Patrick J.Minterandnobodyelse.

"Goyouandinterviewthevagrant,mygoodsergeant."Hewavedhisbighandwitha lordlygesture. "Theseriousbusinessofcriminaldetectionbelongs tomypast—itwastoosimple!Gotmegoingsenile—that'swhyItookthisjob,whereIcanliveinthecountryan'keepchickensan'rabbitsan'studynatureinallitsmajestyan'splendour."

"I"divisionoftheMetropolitanPolicecoversthatpartofruralLondonwhichcomes up against the Sussex border. It is notoriously a sleepy division, abackwater into which men drift gratefully from the turbulent waters ofLimehouse andGreenwich andNottingDale. "I" division dealtmainlywithsuchsurprisingcrimesasvagrancy,poachingandrickfiring.

Themenof "I"division, to the envyof their city fellows, impound strayinghorsesandcattleand takeactivesteps todealwith foot-and-mouthdisease.Theyareknownas 'theyokels', 'thehayseeders'and 'the lost legion'.But themencultivategardens(manyraisingtheirowngardentruck),andcanaffordtosmile tolerantly when jealous comrades make sneering references to theirbucolicpursuits.

Sooperwas transferred from ScotlandYard to this pleasant haven, not as amarkof his superiors' appreciationof his excellent services—hewas oneoftheBig Five that smashed theRussian gang inWhitechapel—but (the truthhadbestbetold)becausehewasathorninthesideofcertainpoliceofficials.Sooper was a source of constant irritation to headquarters. He respectednobody,fromtheChiefCommissionerdownwards;hewaspolite tonobody;heagreedwithnobody.Hewrangled,heargued,andoccasionallyhedefied.Most irritatingofhisqualitieswas the fact thathewasgenerally right.Andwhenhewasprovedrightandhischiefswerewrong,hementioned the factsometwentyorthirtytimesinthecourseofaworkingday:"What'smore,"hewenton,"talkingtothislowtramp'sgoin'tointerruptmystudies.I'mtakin'anintensivecourseofcriminology.NeverheardofLombroso,I'llbet?Ah!Thenyoudon'tknowanythingaboutcriminals'brains!Ord'narybrainsweigh...I'veforgottenwhat,butcriminals'brainsarelighter.Gobringmethisman'sbrainand I'll tell you whether he was trying to break into Barley Stack. Andprehensile feet: d'yeknow that fiveper cent of crim'nals canpickup thingswiththeirtoes?An'd'youknowthatoxycephalicheadsareall thefashionincrim'nalcircles?You'vemissedsump'n'.Gotakeatapemeasureandgetthathobo's statistics and watch out for his asymmetrical face! It was alwayssimple,catchin''em.It'schildisheasynow!"

Sergeant Lattimer was too wise a man to interrupt his superior until hisgarrulity showed signs of running dry. This seemed a favourite moment tointerjectaremark.

"But,Super,thisisn'tanordinaryburglary.AccordingtoSullivan—thatisthe

tramp'sname—"

"Tramps haven't got any names," said Sooper wearily. "You started wrong.They're 'Mike' and 'Weary' and 'BoxCarBilly', but they haven't any familynames."

"AccordingtoSullivan,—theothertrampwhowaswithhimwouldnotallowhimtogetintoMr.Elson'shouseandtakemoney.Hewantedsomethingelse—"

"Deedsofthefamilyestate,maybe,"interruptedSooperthoughtfully."Orthebirth certificat' of the rightful heir?OrmaybeMr. Elson, bein' a low-downAmerican,stolethesacredrubyfromtherighteyeofthegreatgodHokum,an's'nisterInjunshavefollowedhimwaitin'theiropportunity?ThisisacaseforCardew—maybeyoucantackleit.Gotoit,Sergeant.You'llgetyourpitcherinthe papers: and you're a good-looker too. P'raps you'll marry the girl that'ssupposed to be a housemaid but turns out to be the daughter of the duke,havingbeenpinchedbygipsiesinheryouth:Goon!"

II. THEUNEXPECTEDHANNAH

Theyoungofficerlistenedwithadmirablepatience.

"ItookSullivanbecausehewassleepingintheneighbourhoodlastnight—andhehasnowpracticallyadmittedthathe'felt'thehouseforanentry."

"Go get his earmarks,"murmured Sooper, taking up his pen. "Ever noticehowcrim'nalsan'paranoiacshavewindscreenears?It'sinthebook.Andthebook can't lie. Detectivizin' is not what it was, Sergeant. We want morephysiognomistsan'morechemists.Myideaofarealdetectiveisafellerwhositsinahigh-classfam'lymansionwithamicroscopean'abloodstainan'abitofLondonmud,an'puttingthethreetogethercantellyouthatthejewelswerepinchedbyaleft-handedmanwhodroveaPatchardcoupe('21model)paintedgreen.EvermeetamancalledFerraby?"

"Mr. Ferraby from the Public Prosecutor's office?" asked the sergeant,momentarilyinterested."Yes,sir:Isawhimthedayhecalledhere."

Sooper nodded; his jaws closed like a rat-trap and he showed two rows ofteeth.Hewassmiling.

"He'snotadetective,"hesaidemphatically;"heonlyunderstandsfac's.Ifthatfellerwascalled in tounravel themyst'ryof theRajahofBong's lostwrist-watchan'hefoundthattheGrandVizzerorVisherorwhatevertheycallhim,hadpawnedawrist-watch atVeltheim'sDayan'NightLoanOffice, he'dgo

and pinch the Grand—whatever he is. A real detective wouldn't be thatfoolish.He'sjustdeduceatoncethattheclockwastornoffinastrugglewiththe young and beautiful stenographer who's hidden behind a secret panelgagged'n'boundan'readytobefreightedtotheloathsomeInjunpalacebuiltoflapsuslaz—whateveritis.Now,oldmanCardewisadetective!There'samanyoumightmodelyourselfon,Sergeant."

Sooperpointedtheendofhispenimpressivelyathissubordinate.

"Thatman'sstudiedcrimefromallangles;he'sgotthepsycho—whateverthewordmaybe—psychology,isit?Well,he'sgotthat.Andhe'sstrongforearsan' prognathic jaws and assymmetrical faces an' theweight of brains an' allthat.GotalibraryupatBarleyStackfullofstuffaboutcrime."

When Sooper started on the subject of that excellent amateur, Mr. GordonCardew, hewas a difficultman to turn, and the sergeant sighed lightly andrespectfully.

"Thepointis,sir,wouldyoucaretoseethismanSullivan?HehaspracticallyconfessedthathewenttoHillBrowtocommitaburglary."

Sooper staredmenacingly, and then, to Lattimer's surprise, nodded. "I'll seethisSullivan—shoothimin."

The sergeant rosewith alacrity anddisappeared into the small charge-room.He returned in a few minutes accompanied by a very big, a veryunprepossessing,andanaltogetherembarrassedtramp.

"This is Sullivan, sir," reported the officer, and Sooper put down his pen,wrenched off his pince-nez and glared up at the prisoner. "What's this stuffyou've been giving us about the hobo who wouldn't let you go into HillBrow?"heaskedunexpectedly."Andifyou'relyin',tramp,lieplausibly!"

"It's true, Sooper," said the tramp huskily. "If I die this minute, this crazyfellownearlykilledmewhen I tried toopen thewindow.Andwehad it allfixed—hetoldmeabouttheplacean'wherethisAmericankepthis'stuff'.IfIdiethisverysecond—"

"Youwon't:hobosneverdie,"snappedSooper."Sullivan?Gotyou!Youwentdown for three at theLondon Sessions for robbery—LukeMark Sullivan, Irememberyourholynames!"

Mr.LukeMarkSullivanshuffleduneasily,butbeforehecouldprotesthimselfan injuredandinnocentconvict,Sooperwenton:"Whatdoyouknowaboutthiscrazytramp?"

Sullivanknewverylittle.Hehadmet themaninDevonshire,andhadheardsomethingabouthimfromotherknightsoftheroad.

"He's plumb nutty, Sooper: all the fellers say so. Goes about the countrysinging to himself.Doesn't runwith any gang, and talks queer—swell stuffandforeignlanguages."

Sooper leaned back in his chair. "You couldn't invent that. You haven't theweightofbrain.Where'shispitch?"

"Everywhere,butIgotanideahe'sgotarealpitchnearthesea.Heusedtoaskme—I'vebeenontheroadwithhimforaweek—ifIlikedships.Hesaidhelookedat 'emfordayspassin'on thesea,andgot towonderin'whatkindofshipscouldn'tsink.He'scrazy!An'afterwe'dfixedtogointothishouse,whatdoyouthinkhesaid?Heturnedonmelikeadogandsaid,'Away!'—justlikethat, Sooper—'Away! Your hands are not clean enough to be the...' well,sump'nabout'Justice'...he'smad!"

The superintendent staredat theuncomfortableman for a long timewithoutspeaking.

"Youlieinyourthroat,Sullivan,"hesaidatlast."Youcouldn'ttellthetruth:you'vegotoddeyes!Puthiminthecooler,Sergeant—we'llgethimhung!"

Mr.Sullivanwasbackinhiscell,andthesergeantwashalf-waythroughhislunch, before Sooper moved from his chair. He sat glowering at the officeinkpot, motionless, his dry pen still in his hand. At last he moved with agrimace,asthoughtheeffortpainedhim,kickedofftheslippersheinvariablyworeinofficehoursandpulledonhiswornbootswithagrunt..

Lattimer had reached the apple pie stage of his feast when the old manshuffledintotheofficers'mess-room.

"Know anything about this American feller Elson?" asked Sooper. "Don'tstandup,man—eatyourpie."

"No,sir—exceptthathe'sabitofaroughdiamond.Theysayhe'sveryrich."

"That'smydeductiontoo,"saidSooper."Whenamanlivesinabighousean'hasthreecarsan' twentyservantsIput twoan' twotogetheranddeducethathe'swelloff.I'mgoin'uptoseehim."

Sooper had a motor-cycle that was frankly disreputable. It bore the samerelationship to an ordinary motor-cycle that a slum bears to BuckinghamPalace.Everyspring,Soopertookhismachinetopieces,and,underthedazedeyeofSergeantLattimer,putittogetheragaininsuchamannerastogiveitanentirely different appearance. This illusion may have had its cause in hispassion for changing the colourof theweird contrivance.Oneyear itwas avividgreen,anotheryearitwasaflamingscarlet.Oncehepainteditwhiteandpickedoutthespokesinsky-blue.Sooperwassoconstitutedthathecouldnotpass a hardware shop that displayed bicycle enamel without falling. In the

littlehutbehindhiscottagewereshelvescoveredwithtinypaintpots,andtheyearwhen,yieldingtotheinfluenceofthewar,heemployedadozensamplecans in camouflaging hismachine, is one remembered by thewhole of theMetropolitanPoliceforce.

Yet it was a good motor-bicycle. By some miracle its two cylinders werecapable of developing tremendous energies. Its once silvery handlebar hadlongsincebeenpaintedover;itssaddleseatwasheldinpositionbystring,anditstyresweresopatchedthateventheleastobservantvillagechildcouldtell,fromanexaminationofthedustprints,notonlythatSooperhadpassed,butinwhatdirectionhewasmoving;butit'went'.

He chug-chuggedhiswayupDewlapHill, skirted the high redwall ofHillBrow,and,dismounting,pushedopen thegateandpassedbetween theelmsthatborderedMr.Elson'sdrive.Leaninghisbicycleagainstatree,hewalkedslowly towards the big house, up the broad steps, and halted in the opendoorway.

Thehallwasempty,butheheardvoices,awoman'sandaman's.Thesoundcamefromaroomthatopenedfromthehall.Thedoorwasajar;hesawfourplumpfingersattheedgeasthoughsomebodyhadpausedintheactofpullingitopen.

Sooperlookedroundforabell-pushandthensawthatitwasinthecentreofthefrontdoor.Hewassteppingintothehalltoreachthepushwhen...

"Marriageornothing,Steve!I'vebeenkeptfoolingaroundtoolong.Promises,promises, promises!...I'm sick of 'em!...Money?What's the use ofmoney tome?I'masrichasyou..."

Atthatmomentthedooropenedandthespeakercameintoview,andthoughherbackwas towardshim,Sooper recognizedher. ItwasHannahShaw, theungenialhousekeeperofBarleyStack.

Forasecondhestoodlookingatthefigure,andthennoiselesslysteppedbackto theangleof thewall,dropped lightlyover thebalustradeof thestepsandmeltedoutofsight.

Hannahdidnotevenseetheshadowofhimashepassed.Tomakedoublysurethat his presence should escape notice, Sooper wheeled his bicycle a milebeforehemounted.

III. ALAWYERLOSESACASE

TheTemple, on aday in early summer,with ablue skyoverhead, is avery

pleasant and drowsily restful place. For there are rooks inTempleGardens,and the green leaves of the trees that wave their branches over the wornflagstonesaretranslucentinthesunlight,andthefountainsplashesmusically.Thegrimfrontsofancientbuildings,somenacinginthethinfogsofFebruary,takeonablandbeautyoftheirown,sothathurryinglawyersintheirgreywigsand long black gowns hesitate on the threshold of their own offices inmomentarydoubtastowhetherornottheyhave,inamomentofaberration,wanderedintosomestrangeandmorecharminglocalitythanthattowhichusehasaccustomedthem.

JimFerraby,strollingatleisurefromFleetStreettohisroomsinKing'sBenchWalk,pausedbythefountaintorescueasmallgirl'shatfromdestruction,andpassedon,whistlingsoftly,hishandsdeepinhispockets,hisbrowunruffled,agood-lookingandcontentedyoungmanontheindiscreetsideofthirty.

He reached thewalk, paused again on the stone steps of his chambers, andsurveyed,withevidenceofapproval, thesilverystretchof rivervisible fromthispoint.Thenheslowlymountedthegloomystairs,and,stoppingbeforeaheavyblackdoor,pulledamassivekeyfromhispocketandinserteditinthehugelock.

Hewastwistingthekeywhenheheardthedooropenontheoppositesideofthe landing,and, looking round, flasheda smileat thegirlwhostood in theopendoorway.

"Morning,MissLeigh,"hesaidcheerfully.

Thegirlnodded."Goodmorning,Mr.Ferraby."

Hervoicewasverysoftandcuriouslysweet.ItwasElfaLeigh'svoicewhichhadfirstattractedhimtooldCardew'ssecretary.Heagreedwithhimselfthatthistoowastheprincipalattraction;andthefactthatshehadthekindoffacethatartistsdrawbutmenseldomsee,andastraightfigurewhichwaslovelyinspiteofitsslimness;thatshehadgreyeyessetwideapartandalmostOrientalintheslantanddepthofthemhadnothingtodowithhisinterest inthesolememberofMr.GordonCardew'sofficestaff.

Their acquaintance, extendingover ayear, hadbegunon thatdusty landing,andhadprogressedwithacertainprimness.

TherewasreallynoreasonwhyoldMr.Cardew(hewasreallyfifty-eight,butfifty-eight isveryoldto the twenties)shouldhaveanoffice inKing'sBenchWalk,forhewasanonpractisingmemberofhisprofession.OnceuponatimethefirmofCardewandCardewhadenjoyedaclienteleunequalledinqualityandwealth in thewholeofLondon.Theyhadbeenagents forgreat estates,trusteesofvastproperties,legalrepresentativesofpowerfulcorporations,butduringthewarthelastoftheCardewshadgrownwearyofhisresponsibilities

andhadtransferredhisclientstoayoungerand,ashesaid,morerobustfirmofsolicitors.Hemighthavefollowedthetraditionsoftheprofessionandtakenapartner,preservingthenameofahousethathadexistedforonehundredandfifty years. He preferred to wash his hands of his practice, and the largegloomy office on King's Bench Walk was now exclusively devoted to theconductofhisownprosperousaffairs—forMr.GordonCardewwasamanofsomesubstance.

"Isupposeyouwonyourcaseandthepoormanhasgonetoprison?"

They stood now in opposite doorways, and their voices echoed across thehollowhallway.

"Ilostmycase;"saidJimcalmly,"andthe'poorman'isnow,inallprobability,drinkingbeerandsneeringatthelawhecheated."

Shestaredathim.

"Oh...I'msorry!...Imean,I'mnotsorrythatthemanisfree,butthatyoulost.Mr.Cardewsaidhewascertaintobeconvicted.Didtheothersidebringfreshevidence?Whatashame!"

Shetalkedcold-bloodedlyof'theotherside',aslawyer'sclerktolawyer.

"Theothersidebroughtfreshevidence,"saidJimdeliberately."SullivanwasacquittedbecauseIprosecutedhim.Thetruthis,MissLeigh,Ihaveacriminalmind,andallthetimeIwastalkingagainsthim,Iwasthinkingforhim.ItisthefirstcaseinwhichIhaveeverappearedfortheState,anditwillbethelast.Thejudgesaidinhissummingupthatmyspeechfortheprosecutionwastheonlyreasonabledefencethattheprisonerhadmade.Sullivanshouldhavegoneto jail for a year, instead of which he is going about the country stealingducks."

"Ducks?...Ithoughtitwasacaseofattemptedburglary?"

Shewaspuzzled.

"Iquotedanancientnonsequitur.I'maruinedman,MissLeigh—IhavethebrainofamastercriminalcombinedwiththehighmoraloutlookofaWelshrevivalist.FromnowonI'mjustanamelessofficialattheofficeofthePublicProsecutor."

Shelaughedsoftlyathissolemndeclaration,andatthatmomentcameafirmsteponthestairand,lookingdown,JimsawtheshiningtopofMr.Cardew'simmaculatehat.

Agrave,estheticface,eyesthatgleamedgood-humouredlyfromundershaggybrows,apunctiliousneatnessofattire,andapedanticexactnessofspeech—thatwasMr.GordonCardew.

Hisfurledumbrellawasunderhisarm,hishandswereclaspedbehindhimashecameupthestairs,andmomentarilyhisfacewasclouded.Lookingup,hesawtheyoungman.

"Hullo,Ferraby,yourmangotoff,theytellme?"

"Badnewstravelsfast,"growledJim."Yes,sir:mychiefisfurious!"

"Andsoheshouldbe,"saidCardew,withtheghostofasmileinhisfineeyes."ImetJebbings,theTreasurycounsel.Hesaid...well,nevermindwhathesaid.It isn'tmybusiness tomakebad feelingbetweenmembersof theBar.Goodmorning,MissLeigh.Isthereanyurgentbusiness?No?Comein,Ferraby."

Jimfollowedthelawyerintohiscosilyfurnishedroom.Mr.Cardewclosedthedoorbehindhim,openedacigar-boxandpushedittowardstheyounglawyer.

"You'reunfittedforthejobofprosecutingtheguilty,"hesaidwithaquizzicalsmile: "Sociallyand financially, there isno reasonwhyyoushould followaprofessionatall.SoIdon'tthink,ifIwereyou,thatIshouldworryverymuchabout what happened at the Central Criminal Court today. I am naturallyinterested in thecase,becauseMr.StephenElson isaneighbourofmine—asomewhat overbearing American gentleman, a little lacking in polish but agoodfellow,theytellme.Hewillbeannoyed."

Jim shookhis head helplessly. "I've a kink somewhere," he said, in despair."Mysympathiesareonthesideoflawandorder,andintheofficeIgloatovereveryhanging I'vebrought about. In courtmy intellectwasworkingdoubleshifts to discover excuses for this brute—excuses that Imyself would haveadvancedifIwasinhisposition."

Mr.Cardewsmiledreprovingly."Whenaprosecutinglawyergetsupandcastsdoubtupontheinfallibilityofthefinger-printsystem—"

"DidI?"askedJim,flushingguiltily."Lord!Iseemtohavemadeahashofit!"

"Ithinkyouhave,"wasthedryresponse."Youdon'tdrinkportsoearlyinthemorning?"And,asJimdeclined,Cardewopenedacupboard,tookoutablackand dusty bottle, carefully wiped a glass and filled it with ruby-colouredliquid.

"IhaveyetanotherinterestinSullivan,"hesaid."Asyouprobablyknow,Iam—er—somethingofastudentofanthropology.Infact,Iratherflattermyselfthatthereisagooddetectivewastedinme.Andreally,whenoneseesthetypeofmanwhooccupiesimportantpositionsinthepoliceforce,onewishesthatthe system was reorganized so that persons of ripe experience and—er—eruditioncouldfindanopportunityforexercisingtheirtalents.Wehaveamaninchargeofmydivisionwhoissimply..."

Words failed him. He could only shrug helplessly, and Jim, who knew

SuperintendentMinter,concealedhisamusement.Itwascommonknowledgethat Sooper had amost profound contempt for all amateurs and theorists: itwas theattitudeof thegoodworkman towards the indifferent artist.Andonone occasion he had been offensive (Mr. Cardew described it as "boorish")overamatterofanthropology.

"Man,ye'rechildish!"snarledSooper,whenMr.Cardewhadmildlysuggestedthat a cracked voice and a bright, hard eyewere inseparable from a certaintype of criminal. Mr. Cardew often said that such an unpardonable act ofrudenesswasdifficulttoforgive.

Jimwaswonderingwhatwas the reason for this unexpected invitation intoCardew'sprivateoffice—itwashisfirstvisit,thoughhehadknownthelawyeroffandonforfiveyears—andthat the invitationhadaspecialmeaningwasobvious from the older man's behaviour. He was obviously worried—andnervous,pacingtheroomwithirresolutesteps,andstoppingnowandagaintoadjustsomepaperonhisdeskortomoveachairtoadifferentposition.

"Allthewayuptotownyouhavebeeninmymind,"hesaidsuddenly,"andIhave been wondering whether or not I should consult you. You know myhousekeeper,HannahShaw?"

Jim remembered very well, the sulky-faced woman, who spoke inmonosyllables,andwho,eversincehehadspokenwellofSooper,hadnevermadeanyattempttohideherdislikeforhim.

Mr.Cardewwaseyeinghimkeenly."Youdon'tlikeher,"hestated,ratherthanasked. "She was rather annoying to you the last time you came, eh? Mychauffeur,whoissomethingofagossip,toldmethatshehadsnappedatyou.Undoubtedlysheissnappyanddour,andamostdisagreeableperson.Butshesuitsme inmanyways,and is,moreover, a legacy frommydearwife—shetookheroutofanorphanasylumwhenshewasachild,andHannahhasbeenpracticallybroughtupinmyhome.WithallrespectImightlikenhertooneofthoseAberdeenterriersthatsnapsateverybodyexcepthismaster."

Heputhishandinhispocket, tookoutaleathercase,openeditandshowedsomepapers,andfinallyspreadoneonthetable.

"Iamtakingyouintomyconfidence,"hesaid,andlookedupagainatthedoortoseeifitwasclosed."Readthis."

Itwasasheetofcommonpaper.Itborenoaddressordateofanykind.Therewerethreehand-printedlinesofwriting,whichran:

'IHAVEWARNEDYOUTWICE.THISISTHELASTTIME.YOUHAVEDRIVENMETODESPERATION.'

Thenotewassigned"BigFoot".

"Big Foot?Who isBig Foot?" asked Jim, as he read the note again. "Yourhousekeeperhasbeenthreatened—sheshowedyouthis?"

Mr.Cardewshookhishead."No,itcameintomypossessioninacuriousway.OnthefirstofeverymonthHannahbringsmethehouseholdbills,placesthemonthedeskinmystudy,andIwriteoutchequesforthetradesmen.Shehasahabitofcarryingbillsaroundinherpocketandherbag,andscramblingthemtogetheratthelastmoment—sheisthereverseofmethodical.Thisletterwasin the foldsofagrocer'sbill: shemusthave taken ithurriedly fromherbagwithoutrealizingthatshevasgivingmeaprivateletter."

"Haveyouspokentoher?"

Mr.Cardewfrownedandshookhishead.

"No,"hehesitated,"Ihaven't.InaclumsywayIhavehintedtoherthat,ifsheiseverinanykindoftrouble,shemustcometome,butHannahjustsnarledatme—there isnootherword, she snarled! Itwas—well,not toput too fineapoint upon it, impertinent." He sighed heavily. "I hate new faces," he said,"and I should be very sorry to lose Hannah. If she had adopted anotherattitude, I should,of course,have toldherofmydiscovery.Andnow, tobeperfectly honest, I am scared to tell her that one of her letters is in mypossession.Wehavehadoneseriousdisagreementoverastupidjokeofhers.Thenextwillendourassociation.Whatdoyoumakeoftheletter?"

"Fromablackmailerofsomekind,"suggestedJim."Theletteriswrittenwiththelefthandwiththeobjectofdisguisingthewriting.Ithinkyououghttoaskherforanexplanation."

"AskHannah?"repeatedMr.Cardewintonesofalarm."Greatheavens,Idarenot! No, the only thing I can do is to keepmy eyes open, and at the firstopportunity,whenIgether inanamiablemood—andsheisamiableat leasttwiceayear—broachthesubject—"

"Whynotconsultthepolice?"askedJim.

Mr. Cardew stiffened. "Minter?" he suggested icily. "That uncouth,unimaginativepoliceman?Really,mydearfellow.No,ifthereisanymysteryinthematter,Ithink—Iratherthink—thatIamcapableofprobingthethingtoitsdepths.Andthereisamysteryoutsideof,orconsequentupon,thisletter."

Helookedatthedoor,behindwhichhisinnocentsecretarywasworking,andloweredhisvoice.

"As you know, I have a little bungalowon the foreshore of PawseyBay. Itusedtobeanoldcoastguardstation.Iboughtitforasongduringthewar,andhavespentsomeverypleasanthoursthere.Igothereveryseldomnowadays,andusuallyIgivemyservantstheuseoftheplace.Infact,mysecretary,Miss

Leigh,haditforaweeklastyear,andwentdownwithsomegirlfriends.Mostunexpectedly,Hannahcame tome thismorningandasked if shecouldhavethebungalowfromSaturdaytoMonday.Shehasnotbeenthereinyears;shehates theplace, and toldmeasmuchonlyaweekago.Now I'mwonderingwhetherthatsuddentriptothecoasthasnotsomethingtodowiththeletter."

"Haveherwatched,"suggestedJim,"byprivatedetectives,"hemadehastetoamendhissuggestion.

"Ihaveconsideredthat,"repliedCardewthoughtfully,"butIamloathtospyon her. Remember she has been in my service for nearly twenty years. Ofcourse,I'vegivenherpermission,thoughIamalittleworriedinviewofthesefacts.UsuallyHannahspendsherspare timedrivingabout thecountry inanoldFord—mychauffeurtaughthertodrivesomeyearsago—sothatitisn'tachange of air shewants. I pay herwell; she could afford to stay at a goodhotel,andthereisnoreasonwhateverwhysheshouldgotoPawsey,unless,ofcourse,itistomeetthismysteriousBigFoot.Doyouknow,Isometimesthinkthatsheisalittle..."hetappedhisforehead.

Jimwasstillwonderingwhyhehadbeenconsulted:henowlearnt.

"Iamgivingalittledinner-partyonFridayatBarleyStack,andIwantyoutocomedownand—er—useyoureyes.Twoheadsarebetterthanone.Youmayseesomethingwhichescapedme."

Jim'smindwasbusyhuntingupexcuseswhenCardewwenton:"Youwon'tmindmeetingMissLeighsocially?MysecretaryImean—sheiscomingdowntoindexanewlibraryIboughttheotherdayatSotheby's.AcompletesetofMantagazza'sworks...."

"I'llbedelighted,"saidMr.JamesFerrabywithgreatheartiness.

IV. DINNERATBARLEYSTACK

"YouknowMr.Elson?"

JimFerrabyknewMr.StephenElsonwellenoughtobesatisfiedinhismindthathedidnotwishtoknowhimbetter.

Hehadbeentheprincipal(ifreluctant)witnessinthecaseoftheStateagainstLukeMarkSullivan,andElsonhadtakenthatlight-fingeredtramp'sacquittalasapersonalaffront.

Jimwas prejudiced against Elson formany reasons, not least ofwhichwasthatgentleman'sinsolentadmirationofElfaLeigh.ItwasinsolentfromJim's

pointofview,and,hehoped,fromElfa's.Notthatshemeantanythinginhislife. She was merely the girl on the other side of the landing; she had abeautifulsoftvoiceandgreyeyessetwideapart,andthecolouringthatisonlyseen in the advertisements of complexion soaps. But Jim Ferraby took adetached interest in her (as he told himself). Shewas just a very charming,very cultured, and, to tell the truth, rather beautiful young woman, and headmiredherinanaloof,perfectlyfriendlyandphilosophicalway.

But she was a lady, and therefore socially the equal of anybody in Mr.Cardew's drawing-room.And JimFerraby didn't like the easy familiarity ofStephenElson.Thathewas invitedat allwasa surprise, almost a cause forindignation,toJimFerraby.Hishostmightnotbeagreatdetective,buthewassensitive tocertain impressions,andhe tookthefirstopportunityofdrawingtheyoungmanaside.

"I had quite forgotten that you had met Elson," he said. "It is veryembarrassing, but the truth is, itwasHannah's suggestion that he should beinvited. In fact, every time that man has been to this house it has beenHannah'ssuggestion.Shepointedouttomethatwehadnotaskedhimtodineinayear,andIthoughtthiswouldbeanexcellentopportunity.Idon'tthinkIcouldendurehimtete-a-tete!"

Jimlaughed."Iamnotatallembarrassed,"hesaid,"thoughhewasinfernallyrude tome after the case.What was he, and how did he come to settle inEngland?"

Cardew shook his head. "That is one of the little matters for investigationwhichIshall takeupsomeday,"hesaid."Iknownothingabouthimexceptthathe'sveryrich."He lookedacross thedrawingroomtowhere thebroad-shoulderedAmericanwasengagedinafrolicsomeconversationwiththegirl."They get onwell together," he said irritatingly; "I suppose because they'rebothfromthesamecountry—"

"MissLeighisnotanAmerican?"saidJiminsurprise.

Cardewnodded."Yes,sheisanAmericangirl:Ithoughtyouknew.Herfather,whowasunfortunatelykilledduringthewar,wasanofficialoftheAmericanTreasury, and I believe spent a great deal of his time in this country,whereMiss Leigh was educated. I never met him—the father, I mean—but heoccupiedquiteagoodposition. In fact, shewas recommended tomeby theAmericanAmbassador."

JimwaswatchingherallthetimeCardewwasspeaking.Hedidnotknowthatoneofhercolouringcouldlooksoexquisiteinblack,orthatsoplainagowncould enhance her beauty. "I never dreamt she was American," was all hecouldsay.

If hehadbeen so ignorant, his bete noir could lay claim tohavingdetectedElfa'snationality.

"NewEngland,Iguess?"saidMr.Elson."QueerthingIdidn'tknowyouweregoodYankeethefirsttimewegottogether."

"Vermont," said Elfa, by no means overjoyed at meeting a fellow-countryman.

Hewasred-faced,coarse-featured,andabouthimwastheperpetualaromaofwhiskyandstalecigarsmoke.Hischeekswerepuffedandhisnosebulbous."I'mfromtheMiddleWestmyself,"hesaidcomplacently."DoyouknowSt.Paul?It'saprettygoodlittleburg.Say,MissLeigh,what'sthatlawyerdoinghere?"Henoddedover towardsJim,andhisvoicewas loudenoughfor thatyoungmantooverhearthequestion.Hewouldhavegivenagreatdealtohaveheardtherejoinder.

"Mr. Ferraby is supposed to be one of the cleverest lawyers in the PublicProsecutor'soffice,"shesaidquietly.

Sheexplainedthemysteriesofthisdepartment,whichcombinesthefunctionsofFederal,StateandDistrictAttorney.

"Is that so?" said the other thoughtfully. "Well, he may be a crackajackprosecutoroutof court, butwhenhegetsbeforea judge, I can tellyou thatfellowisjustnothing!"

"AreyouanoldfriendofMr.Cardew's?"askedElfa,anxioustoturnthetalktomoreagreeablechannels.

Elsonscratchedhisnone-too-well-shavenchin.

"Why,he'saneighbourofmine.Prettygoodlawyer,eh?"

Hewaswatchingherthroughhalf-closedlids.

"Mr.Cardewisn'tinpracticenow,"sheanswered,andhelaughednoisily.

"He'sstrongforthatsleuthstuff,eh?"hechuckled."I'veneverknownagrownmantogetthatway."

His admiring eyes did not leave her face, and in her discomfort she lookedappealinglyacrosstheroomtowhereJimstood,and,recognizingthesignalofdistress,hecameacrossandrescuedher.

ItwasobviousbothtothegirlandtoJimFerrabythatMr.Cardewwasillatease.Somuchso thatheseemed tohave forgotten theexcuseofJim'svisit,andneveroncereferredtoHannah.Fromtimetotimehelookedathiswatchand glanced anxiously, almost fearfully, towards the door; andwhen at lastHannah Shaw appeared,more stiff, more black,more forbidding than ever,

and stated brusquely that dinner was ready, the lawyer almost dropped hisglasses in his apprehension, "Will you hold dinner," he begged, "for a fewminutes?Thefactis,Hannah,I'veinvitedafriendofours—thesuperintendent—tocomealong."

Shebridled,butsaidnothing.

"Imethimtoday:hewasverycivil,"Mr.Cardewhastenedtoexcusehimselfforhisdaring, "and really Idon't seewhywe shouldbebad friends. Idon'tknowwhyI'mtellingyouallthis..."

Heflounderedintoamorassofunintelligibility.Itwouldhavebeenpatheticifitwerenotamusing,thisspectacleofthetyrannywieldedoverthemasterofBarleyStack.ToJimitwasnonewexperience,forhehadseensomethingofthesortonhispreviousvisit.ButElfacouldonlystare inamazementas thewomanstalkedoutoftheroom,disapprovalineverylineofherfigure.

Cardew rubbed his chin uneasily. "I'm afraid Hannah doesn't like ourfriend...andreally,It'sverydisturbing,mostdisturbing."HelookedpleadinglyatFerrabyasthoughimploringsomemoralsupport.

"Fewhousekeepersliketoseetheirplanschanged,"saidJimsoothingly.

Fiveuncomfortableminutespassed,andthenHannahreappeared."Howlongarewetowait,Mr.Cardew?"sherasped.

"We'll go in immediately,Hannah," saidCardew,with a quick glance at hiswatch, and something of relief in his face. "I don't think our friend can becoming."

ThegirlsatnexttoFerrabyattheroundtable,withavacantchairatherside,which should have been occupied by Superintendent Minter. "Poor Mr.Cardew!"shemurmuredunderherbreath.

Jim grinned, but a glance at the face of the woman, seated immediatelyopposite him, arrested his amusement. She was glaring at the girl with amalignitywhichforthemomenttookhisbreath.Andthen,asthesoupplateswerebeingremoved,camethetardyguest.

Sooperwasneverstrongforclothes.Jimhadtheimpressionthattheill-fittingdress-suitheworemusthavebeenbequeathedtohimbyalong-deadrelative,orpossiblypurchasedfromawaiterwhenitwaslongpastrestaurantuse.

"Sorry, ladies and gentlemen," murmured the guest, looking round thecompany throughhishalf-closedeyes."Never takedinneratnightasa rule,and only remembered your kind invite just as I was going to bed. Goodevening,MissShaw."

Hannah'seyesslowlyroseandmethis.

"Goodevening,Superintendent,"shesaidicily.

"Niceweatherwe'vebeenhaving—thewarmestweather Icanrememberforthistimeoftheyear."

ItwasthefirsttimeElfahadseentheredoubtableSooper,andshefeltaquickinstinct of friendliness towards the grim old man in his worn and shabbydress-suit.Theshirtheworewasfrayedattheopening.Thereweretwolargeiron-mouldstainsinthemostconspicuouspartofthebreast;thetieabouthiscollar hadworked round half-way to his ear, but he carried himself like anaristocrat.

"Ithinkheissplendid...isthatthesuperintendent?"shesaidunderherbreath,when,later;Sooper'sattentionwasdivertedtohishost.

"Yes: the King Pippin of all sleuths—in Europe, anyway. Listen...he'skidding."

"Not often I go out to parties," Sooper was drawling. "Seems I'm toounsociabletoinvite.Nevercantelloneknifefromanother,an'mostlyusethewrongbeerglass.That'swherewepoorpolicemengetwrong—nomanners.Standstoreason,ifIwentafteroneofthoseswellmobsan'gotmyselfdolledupfors'ciety,they'dknowmefirsttime.Iwassayin'tomysergeantonlythisafternoon, 'thereain'tenoughswellamateursinthisgame:whatwewantarefellers that can wear evenin' dress without lookin' as if they were in fancydress'."

Mr. Cardew looked at his guest suspiciously. "The police have their properfunctions," he said primly. "The only contentious point between us,Superintendent,isthatcertaincasesrequire—er—agreaterrefinementof—er—intellectandamoreintensiveappreciationofpsychology."

"Sure they do." Elson dropped his elbows on the table and leant forward,noddingmechanically."That'swhatyoufellersmiss..."

Suddenlyhestopped.HehadcaughtHannah'seyes,andinthemJimFerrabyreadanurgentwarning.

"Thatpsychology'scertainlygood,"agreedSooperalmosthumbly,"an'that'sjust what we want. Every young officer ought to get soaked in it. Next toanthro—youknow—theword,Mr.Cardew."

"Anthropology,"saidMr.Cardewgraciously.

"That's rum: next to that, psychology's the grandest ornament to a man'sintelligence.Nextcomesgoodeyesight.I'mabitshort-sightedforreadin',butIcanseeamillionmiles.Neverhavetheblindsdrawn,Mr.Cardew?"

Thebowwindowsofthedining-roomwereuncoveredexceptfordiaphanous

casementcurtainsthatdrapedthelowerhalves.Thehalf-lightdusklayonthelawnoutside, and the tall sycamores at the end of the garden showedblackoutlinesagainstthedeepblueofthesky.Therhododendronbushesnearerthehousemadeashadowyblot.

"No," said Cardew, in surprise. "Why? We're not under observation—thepublicroadisnearlyaquarterofamileaway."

"Justwondered,"apologizedSooper."Idon'tknowmuchaboutswellhouses:liveinacottagemyself,an'alwayspulltheblindswhenIeat—keepsthemealprivate.Howmanygardenersmightyouhavehere?"heasked.

"Fourorfive—Iforget,"saidCardew,andSooperwasimpressed.

"That'salottofindsleepin'roomfor,"hesaid.

"Theydon'tsleephere:myheadgardenerhasacottageneartheroad.Goingbacktothesubjectofthepolice—"

ButSooperwasnotinclinedtogobacktothesubjectofthepolice.RatherwasheanxioustoaddtohisknowledgeofMr.Cardew'sdomesticeconomy."Why,Ithoughtyouhadtokeepgardenersoroddmenaroundatnightstowatertheflowersan'trapmoles?"

Gordon Cardew was obviously bored. "No; my gardeners leave at seveno'clock. I certainlywould not allow them to prowl around—what iswrong,Superintendent?"

Sooperhadrisenandwaswalkingtothedoor.Suddenlytherewasaclick,andallthelightswentout."Standbackfromthetableagainstthewall,allofyou!"His harsh voicewas vibrantwith authority. "I turned the lights out—there'ssomebodyintheshadowofthosebushesandhe'sgotagun!"

V. THESNIPER

Sooper came softly from the front door and stepped into the garden. Thedining-room looked out from the side of the house, and he moved withincredibleswiftnesstowardsthebushes.Thelawnwasempty—therewasnosoundbut thegentle rustleof leaves in thenightwind.Keepingclose to thecoveroftheshrubs,hecoveredthewidthofthelawn.

Beyond the flower-beds were the sycamores which marked the southernboundaryoftheproperty.Totherightwasalittlepinewood,whichcouldbetheonlyavenueofretreatonthepartofanintruder.

Sooperwentforwardfromtreetotree.Beneathhisfeetwasathickcovering

of pine needles that would have made his movements noiseless in anycircumstances.From time to timehe stopped and listened, but therewasnosound.

Hewas half-way through thewoodwhen, right ahead of him and not fiftyyardsaway,camethesoundofsinging....

"TheMoorishkingridesupanddownThroughGranada'sroyaltown..AydemiAlhama...!"

For a second, at the sound of the woeful Spanish air, Sooper's spine crept.There was something so plaintive in the music, something so desperatelyhopelessinthewordsofthecenturies-oldlament,thathestoodstockstill.

"FromEloira'sgatestothoseOfBivarrambleonhegoes,AydemiAlhama!"

Sooperwentforwardataruntowardsthevoice.Thewoodwasdark,andherethetreesweresetsocloselytogetherthatitwasalmostimpossibletoseemorethanafewyardsahead.

Hecameplungingoutintotheopenwithouthavingseenasoul.

Thewoodseparated thepleasuregroundsofBarleyStackfroma little farm.Nothingmovedinthemeadows,andSooperturnedback."Comeoutofthat,tramp!"heshouted,butonlytheechoofhisvoicecamebacktohim.

Thencamethesoundoffeetrustlingthroughundergrowth,andheguesseditwasJimbeforehesawthewhiteshirt-frontemergefromthedark.

"Whoisit?"askedFerraby.

"Trampofsorts,"saidSooper."Youwerenearlyascrazytocomeoutwithoutashot-gun."

"Isawnobody."

"Nobody to see, I guess," repliedSooper gently. "Let's go back—Iought tohavegotmymachineandpatrolledtheroad."

Theypenetratedtheplantationsagain,butheardnothingandsawnothing,andreturnedtothelawntofindthealarmeddinnerpartyassembled.

"Did you see anybody?" asked Mr. Cardew anxiously and somewhatincoherently. "Really, this is themost extraordinary...you've frightened theseladies....ImustconfessthatIdidn'tseeamanofanydescription."

"MaybeMinter's imagination's working," growled Elson. "You might see aman,butI'llbedarnedifyoucouldseeaguninthislight!"

"Sawitgleam,"saidSooper,staringhardatthewood."Justsawthelightonit...musthavebeenagun.Gotalamp,anybody?"

Mr.Cardewwentintothehouseandreturnedwithanelectriclantern.

"Stood here," said Sooper, and flashed the lamp on the grass. "Nomarks—ground'stoohard.Nothing..."

Swiftly he darted downward to the grass and picked up a black oblongsomething,and,holdingitonthepalmofhishand,whistledsoftly.

"Whatisit?"askedCardew.

"Magazine of a.42 automatic—chock full of shells," said Sooper. ".42automaticmarkedUnitedStatesNavalDepartment—droppedoutofhisgun."

Mr.Cardew's jawhadalsodropped: itmighthavebeenhis imagination,butJim fancied that the face of the amateur detective had gone a shade paler.Possibly, he thought, this was the first occasion on whichMr. Cardew hadbeenbroughtfacetofacewiththegrimactualitiesofcriminaldetection.

"Well,I'llgoto...!"StephenElsonwaslookingatthemagazineopenmouthed."Andhewasthereallthetime...withagun!"Heshuddered."Didyouseehim,Officer?"

Sooperlookedroundanddroppedhishandontheother'sshoulder."Nothingtoworryabout,"hesaidkindly,almostbrotherly."No.IfI'dseenhimI'dhavecaughthim.I'lluseyourtelephone,Mr.Cardew."Hishostguidedhimtothestudyandlefthim.

"That you, Lattimer? Turn out divisional reserves and detain anybody thatcan'taccountfortheirmovements,especiallytramps.Whenyou'vedonethat,comeuptoBarleyStack;bringagunandtwohandlamps."

"Whatiswrong,Sooper?"

"Lostacollarstud,"saidSoopercalmly,andhungup.

HelookedupintothetroubledfaceofCardew.Andfromthelawyerhiseyeswanderedtothepackedbookshelves.

"Mustbealottherethat'dhelpafellertopullinacrazytramp,"hesaid."Igottorelyoncommoncoppersandit'sevenoddsthey'llneverfindhim."

Theoldtwinklewasinhiseyes:Cardewbecameconsciousofthetwostainson theshirt-frontand theshabbydress-suit slightly redolentofmothball.Herecoveredhisillusionofsuperiority.

"Thatisthesortofcasewheretheveryphysicalattributesofthepolicearesoadmirable,"hesaid."Afterall,thereisnothingverysubtleaboutthevisitationofanarmedtramp!"

"Nothing'ssubtlethatmatters,"saidSooper,shakinghisheadsadly."Notlifenor death, nor stomach-ache normoney. Subtle things don't count, notwith

me, anyway."He surveyed the packed bookshelves again and sighed. "ThattrampfellerwasafterElson,"hesaid,goingoffatatangent.

Cardewwasstartled.

"Whatmakesyouthinkthat?"heasked.

"Elsonexpectedhim too,"noddedSooper,witha far-away look inhiseyes."Elsewhydoeshecarryagun?"

"Elsoncarriesagun—apistol,youmean?Howdoyouknow?"

"Felt it in his pants," saidSooper, "when Iwas bein' affectionate.Howwasthat forsubtle?Justclappedhimon theshoulderan' felthispocketwithmyhip.I'vegotoneofthemostsensitivehipsintheforce.What'sthatasignoffromtheanthrop'logicalview?"

ButMr.Cardewwasnottobedrawn.

"Why did you follow the superintendent, Mr. Ferraby? Wasn't that ratherfoolhardy?"

Jim and the girl were alone on the lawn.Hannah had disappearedwith theAmerican,andthoughtheyoungmanhadqualmsaboutremainingoutdoorsinthegrowingdarkness,hisdiscretionwasnotproofagainstthelureofthenightandtheintimacywhichtheirsolitudebrought.

"There wasn't any great er risk for me than for Sooper." he said; "besideswhich, I'll admit that I thought he had been deceived by a shadow—I hadforgottenthattheolddevilhaseyesthatcanseethroughawall!DoyoulikethatmanElson?"heblurted.

"Mr.Elson?Whyno...whatevermadeyouthinkIdid?"

"Well...he's American, and I suppose It's natural for people of the samecountry..."heendedlamelyenough.

"IfIwereanEnglishgirlandIhadmetanEnglishtoughinNewYork,shouldIlikehimbecausehewasEnglish?"sheaskedwithasmile.

"Tough?Ididn'tknowhewasanythingunusual,"hebegan,andshelaughedsoftly.

"Youdon'tknowhowrudeyouarebeing,"shesaid."Yes,Mr.Elsonisthat:Ican'tthinkofamoreelegantwordthan'tough';itisn'tpretty,isit?"

"Ididn'trealizethatyouwereAmerican,"hesaid,astheystrolledslowlyupanddowntheclose-croppedlawn.

"IneverdreamtthatyourealizedIwasanybody,"shesaiddryly,"exceptoneof the featuresofKing'sBenchWalk.You'renot trying to flirtwithme, are

you?"

Jimwentredattheamazingdirectnessofthegirl."Goodlord,no!"hegasped.

"Then I'll take your arm. I was a little frightened," she confessed; "It wasrathercreepy—thelightsgoingoutandthehorriblefeelingthatwewerebeingwatched."

Herarmrestedonhis.JimFerrabyself-consciouslykepthiselbowrigidandshesmiledathispropriety."Youcanletyourarmdrop—that'sright;Ishan'tcling. Only I'm human enough to find comfort in a masculine arm—anymasculinearmexceptperhapsMr.Elson's."

"Iquiteunderstand."Hewas inclined tobe icy,buther soft laughtermeltedhim.

"Idon'tlikethecountry,"shesaid."Poordaddylovedit:heusedtosleepoutintheopeneveninstormyweather."

"Yourfatherdiedinthewar?"

"Yes."Hervoicescarcelyroseaboveawhisper."Yes,hediedinthewar."

Theypacedtoandfroinsilence:thearminJimFerraby'srestedwithgreaterconfidence;once,byaccident, thetipsofherfingersbrushedthebackofhishand.

"Howlongareyoustayinghere?"heasked.

"Until tomorrow afternoon. I have some indexing to do, and in anycircumstancesMr.Cardewwould not letme stay after his housekeeper left.Sheisgoingawayfortheweekend."

"Whatdoyouthinkofher?"heasked.

Shedidnotansweratonce."Shemaybenicewhenonegetstoknowher,"shesaid diplomatically, and then Sooper's long figure showed in the opendoorway.

"Come in before the spooks get you, Mr. Ferraby. Somethin' unusual hashappened—mysergeantwasawake.That feller reckonsall the timehe'snotsleeping is time wasted. I think Mr. Cardew was askin' about you, youngmiss."

Elfa passed into the house and Ferraby was following, but the old mandetainedhim.

"Come for a stroll with me, Mr. Ferraby, an' help me psychologize andanthropologize."

Itwasnoticeablethat,exceptwhenhewasintheamateurscientist'spresence,

or (as Jim subsequently learnt) discussing such learned subjects with hissergeant,Sooperhadnodifficultyinpronunciation.

"Elson'sgottogohometonight,andI'mdeducin'thatthismiscreantwiththegunwill try to take a crack at him," he said. "Thewhole thing's subtle an'mysterious. One American tryin' to shoot another American! Angels haveweptforless."

"YouthinkthestrangeronthelawnwasanAmerican?"

"He had an American gun: therefore he's American. I'm gettin' into thisdeductionbusiness—itcomesnatural after abit.Mydeduction is thathe's asinger."

"Whatmakesyouthinkthat?"askedJiminsurprise.

"Because I heard him singin'," said Sooper. "Ever play auction bridge,Mr.Ferraby? Ifyondo I'llgiveyoua tip:a littlepeek'sworth two finesses.Getthat into your mind, Deduction's fine but seein' and hearin's better. That'sofficial.KnowanythingagainstElsonupinWhitehall?"

"YoumeanattheProsecutor'soffice?No,Idon'trememberhearingorreadinganything,andI'vechargeofthealiensection."

"Never call anAmerican an alien: itmakes himwild. Just the same as theEnglishswellredwhentheygetthealientaginNewYorkHarbour.It'salowword meanin' Peruvian and Slovak and Mongolian Hebrew. I was inWashingtonduring thewar, tillourheadquarters foundIwasefficient—thentheyshotmehome.Theycan'tstandefficiency."

Jimwasconsideringwhetherheshould,attheriskofdispleasinghishost,takeSooper into his confidence.He came to a decision. "Sooper, you think thatmaninthegardenwasafterElson?You'remistaken."

"Thatsounds impossible,"saidSooper,"but I'mopen toconviction."BrieflyFerrabytoldhimoftheletterwhichGordonCardewhadshownhimthedaybefore, and the superintendent listened without interruption. "Big Foot, eh?Sounds likeoneof thosenancyWildWest Injunnames.Butwhat'sHannahdone?That'sprettybignews,Mr.Ferraby,an'slightlyaltersthings."

Cardew's voice called them from the house. "Come along and finish yourdinner."

"Wait."Sooper'ssinewyhandgrippedtheyoungmanbythesleeve."Justwaitwhilst Iget the logican'psychologyof this.She'sgoingawayforaweek—end, you say...I know the house on PawseyBeach.Cardewdroveme downthereoncebeforewetookthematonthequestionofcriminalscience.Adoglonelyplace,milesfromeverywhereexceptthesea...bigcliffwithhundredsofsmugglers'caves...housestandsonanoldpostroadthatrunsunderacliffbut

isn'tusedmuchsincethenewroadwasmadeovertheclifftop.It'sdangerous.Partof thecliff felldown theyear Iwent therean'oldCardewmadea fusswiththePawseyTownCouncilbecausetheydidn'tclearupthemessan'opentheroad.Heknowsalotaboutthatsideofthelaw."

"Areyoupeoplecomingin?"Cardewwaswalkingouttowardsthem,andtheyturnedinthedirectionofthehouse.

"Don't hint that you know anything,"muttered Jim, and Sooper grunted hisreluctantagreement.

Mr. Cardew had quite recovered his poise. Hewas boisterously cheerful astheyresumedtheirseatsatthetable,andhadanewtheory.

"I'vebeenlookingupmydeCarrilon,"hesaid,"andcuriouslyenough,Icameuponanalmostparallelcase.DeCarrilonhasachapteronwhathecalls'TheCrimeofEmbuchement'.Hesays that toacertain typeofcriminalmind theimpulsetoshootfromthedarknessisirresistible...."

Soopertoyedwithaquailontoast,andwonderedwhythiscleverlawyerhadnot associated the murderous visitor with the threatening letter to HannahShaw.

It was past one o'clock that night when Jim knocked at the door of Mr.Cardew'sstudytobidhimgoodnight.Bythelightofatablelampthelawyerwasreadingfromalargeandthickvolume.

"Comein,Ferraby.Hasthesuperintendentgone?"

"Justgone,sir."

Cardewclosedthebookwithasigh."Averypracticalman,butIdoubtifhetakes his work seriously. Police work largely develops into a mechanicalroutine.Theywillputguardsontheroadsandnotifythecountrypolice,andIsupposearrestafewperfectlyinnocentcitizens.Theywilldonothingwhichisworthy of praise and omit no precautions thatwould deserve censure. Theywill, in fact, play for safety. It is a very small and unimportantmatter, buttypicalofthesystem.ThemoreIstudyouroldfashionedmethods,themoreIregretthatfatedidnottakemeintoamoreexcitingpathofthelawthanthatwhichmeanders through theCourtofChancery.Well,whatdoyou thinkofHannah?Nothingverysuspiciousaboutherattitude,eh?"

"She is less distressed than I thought possible," said Jim quietly, and Mr.Cardew'smouthopenedinagaspofconsternation.

"Good heavens!...I never thought of connecting the letterwith...Imust havetakenleaveofmysenses!"Hehadgonesuddenlywhite.

"Iwonderedwhy,"saidFerraby.

Sooper had wondered too, and had privately expressed his surprise beforeleaving.IthadrequiredallJim'spowersofpersuasiontopreventtheoldmanfrominterviewingCardewonthesubject.ButthisJimFerrabydidnotreveal,though he knew that it was inevitable that Sooper would sooner or laterdiscussthematterwiththemasterofBarleyStack.

"Ineverdreamtofconnecting theman in thegardenwithHannah,"said thelawyer thoughtfully. "This is truly astounding! I almostwish that I had toldMinter."

"Gethimonthe'phoneandtellhim,"suggestedJim,anxioustounburdenhisconscience.

Mr.Cardewhesitated,tookupthetelephoneandputitdownagain.

"Imustsleeponit,"hesaid."IfItellhimnow,he'llcomebackandtherewillbe a fearful scene with Hannah. Frankly, I'm scared of HannahShaw...terrified.It isabsurd...Idespisemyself.AndI'malawyer,supposedlywithout sentiment. No, leave it until the morning, or later. I'll ask thesuperintendenttocomeuptodinner.Hannahwillbeaway."

ItoccurredtoJimashewasundressingthattoleavethematteruntilHannahhad departed on her mysterious weekend trip had certain advantages. Healmost regretted that he was taking an early departure and would not bepresentattheinterview.

He prepared for bed leisurely, and a distant church clock was striking twowhenhefinallyputoutthelight.Whethertheexcitementoftheeveningorthetenminutes' nap he had snatched on his way from townwas the cause, hecouldnotsleep.Hehadneverfeltquitesowakefulinhislife.Forhalfanhourhelay,hismindworkingthroughthehousefromElfaLeightoCardew,fromCardew to Hannah, and back again to Elfa. At last, with a sigh, he rose,walkedtothelittletablewherehehadlefthissmokingmaterialsand,lightinghispipe,walkedtothewindow.

Themoonwasinitslastphase,athinrindofwhiteinaclearsky,anditsfaintandghostly reflectioncovered theworldwithpale radiance.Fromwherehesatonthewindowseat,hecouldseeonebrilliantlylightedwindowinawingrunningatrightanglestotheouterwallofhisownroom.

Wasit thegirl'sroom,orCardew's—orHannah's?Whoeverwasintheroomwas busy—he saw an indistinct figure pass and repass the semi-transparentcurtains,andpresentlyhiseyesaccustomedthemselvestothelightandcurtainveil,andherecognizedthefigureofHannah.Shewasfullydressedandwasengagedinpackingasuit-casethatshehadplacedonthebed.Thegentlenightbreezeblewthecurtainasideforasecondandhesawintotheroom.Bythesideofthebedweretwoopentrunks,andshewasclearingoutherwardrobe.

JimFerrabyfrowned.Aweek-endvisit?Shewaspackinglikeonepreparingfora longabsence.Foranhourhewatched,and thenher lightwentout.Bythistimethegreyofdawnwasinthesky,andasthelampwasextinguishedhefeltasuddenoverwhelmingdesireforsleep.

He had one knee on the bedwhen he heard a soundwhich filled himwithwonder and made him doubt the evidence of his senses. It was somebodysinging,andthevoicecarnefromthelittlewood.

"The Moorish king rides up and down... Granada's royal town, Ay de miAlhama!"

Thesinger!Themanwhohadbeenonthelawn!Inaninstanthestruggledintohis overcoat and pelted down the dark stairs to the hall. It was some timebeforehecouldget thedooropen,butat lasthewasintheopen.Theworldsmeltsweetandcold,thegrassbeneathhisslipperedfeetwaswetwithdew.

Hestoodmotionless,listening,andthenheespiedastealthyfiguremovinginthecoverofthewoodanddartedtowardsit.Ashecamenearer,themanheardhimandswunground.

"Steady...steady!Don't scaremy song-bird," hissed avoice. "Iwant him formyanthr'p'logicalav'ry!"

ItwasSooper.

VI. THESTORYOFTHE$100BILLS

"Gobackan'rustlesomeclothes.I'llwantyourhelp,anyway.AllmymenaredownintheFarnhamareaarrestin'thewrongpeople.IfI'mnothere,waitforme."

Jim was glad to obey the order, for the morning was chilly and he wasshivering.Infiveminuteshewasbacktowherehehadleftthesuperintendent,butthatworthymanhaddisappeared,nordidheshowhimselffortenminutes.

"This time he's gone," he growled. "Must have heard you gettin' into theconcert."

"Gone—how?"

"Thewood runsdown to theboundarywall.There's thickbushon theotherside—that'swhereIheardhimmoving.I'llblowdownto themainroad,buthe'sascunningasamonkey.Anythingnew?"

"HannahShawisgoingaway,"saidJim,andtoldwhathehadseenduringthe

night.

Sooperscratchedhisgreyhead."I'llbetCardewdoesn'tknowshe'sgoin'forkeeps,"hesaid."That'llbethebestbitofnewsthepoorfis—Mr.Cardew'shadinyears.WishI'dcaughtyoungTetr'zini."Heshookhisheadregretfully.

Hewashalf-waydownthegateroadwhenheturnedandcameback."Yougotamotor-car,Mr.Ferraby?"

"Yes—butnothere.Icamedownbytrain."

Soopernodded."Mightbringitalongtomystationhousetonight—somewhererounddusk.I'mthinkingofgoin'downtoPawsey.It'soffmyground,andthatskinny-gutteddeputyattheYard'scertaintoraisehellifanythingcomesout.ButIdespisehim,an'whenIdespiseaman,thegrave'shisonlyhope.I'dliketotakeyoualongwithmetoget theproperpsychologyoftheposition—I'mshorton that."Sooperdidhisbest laughingwithhiseyes—hewas laughingnow.

Apparentlynobodyinthehousehadheardthesinger,andJimreturnedtohisroom unchallenged by anxious inquiry. Sleep was impossible now, and heshavedanddressedatleisure.Hewasdowninthegardenbythetimethesunwasonthelawn,andhestrolledroundthehousetokilltime.FromtherearofBarleyStackhehadaclearviewofHillBrow,thelordlyhouseofMr.Elson,asprawlofredbricktoppedbyasquareandarchitecturallypleasingtower.

WhatfreakishwhimhadinducedthisAmericantosettledowninsurroundingswhich had no pleasure for him? A man of the people, self- made, withoutcultureorrefinement.

Whenhecameback to the lawnhesawaslimfigure ingreywalkingawayfromhim,andhisheartracedforasecondortwo.

"Yes,Iamearly—Ididn'tsleepverywell."

Elfagaveherhandwithasmile thatdazzledhim.Neverbeforehadheseenherunderthesunnyskiesandatanhourwhichfewwomenchoosetosubmittheircharmstothecriticaleyesofmen.

"Isitpermissibletooffermyarm?"heaskedboldly.

"Permissible but unnecessary," she laughed quietly at his embarrassment. "Iamfullofcouragethismorning.Didyousleepwell?"

"Tobetruthful,Ididn'tsleepatall,"headmitted,andshenodded.

"MyroomisnextMissShaw's,andshewasmovingaboutallnight,"shesaid.

Hecouldhaveconfirmedthatinformation,butshewenton:"Ishallbegladtogetbacktomyownlittleapartment.BarleyStackandMissShawhaveavery

badeffectonmynerves.I'veonlyspentonenightinthehouse—ayearago;andthatwasamostunpleasantexperience.Doyoumindmytellingyouthis?"

Did he mind! He could have listened to her all morning. He suggested asmuch.

"MissShawwasinworsethanherusualbadtemper.Shewouldn'tspeaktomeortopoorMr.Cardew.Sheshutherselfupinherroomandrefusedtocometomealsbecause,Mr.Cardewtoldme,shethoughthehadslightedher.Andthenshedidanextraordinarything.Veryearlyinthemorning,whenIwokeupandlookedoutofthewindowontothelittlesidelawn,Isawtheletter'B'pickedouton thegrasswithdarkpaper.Therewassomething rather familiaraboutthose little oblong slips, and Iwent downstairs tomake sure.The pieces ofpaperwerehundred-dollarbills—theremusthavebeenfiftyofthem,andtheywerefastenedtotheearthwithlongblackpins!"

Jimcouldonlylookatherincredulously.

"DidCardewknow?"

"Yes,he'dseenthemfromhiswindow,andhewasfurious."

"Wasanybodyelsestayinghereatthetime?"

Shenoddedandmadealittleface."Mr.Elson.Hishousewasinthehandsofthe repairersandMr.Cardewaskedhim tocomeandstay. Idon't thinkhe'sbeenheresinceuntillastnight.ItwasMissShaw'ssuggestionthathecameatall—hetoldmethat."

"ButhowdoyouknowHannahmarkedthelawnwithbills—itmayhavebeenafreakofElson's:Icanwellimaginehisdoingsuchacrazything."

Sheshookherhead."ItwasMissShaw.ShecameandgatheredupthemoneyafterCardew sent for her.He pressed her for an explanation but shewouldgivenone—shewouldn'teventellhimwhereshegotthemoney."

AndthenJimrememberedwhatthelawyerhadtoldhim.

This,then,wasthe'stupidjoke'whichhadnearlyledtoadomesticbreach.

"Ithinksheisalittlemad,"saidElfa,"andthatiswhyIhatedthethoughtofcomingtoBarleyStack.itwasonlywhenIheard—"Sheendedthesentenceabruptly,butawarmglowcameovertheyoungmanandhispulsebeatalittlefaster.

Therewas nothing to betray her energetic night inHannah's facewhen sheappeared at the breakfast table.The dark eyeswere as birdlike as ever; shewas amodel of composure and self-possession.Cardew, on the other hand,wasirritableandsnappy,thoughapparentlyhehadsleptwellenough.Hewasone of those admirably-tempered individualswho bring the essence of their

grievancesto thebreakfast table,Thedaydilutes themdowntotheirnormalstrength and importance, but in the first hour ofwaking they overcloud themorningsun.

"EvennowI'mnotsurethatthispestiferousfellowhasn'tbeenplayingajokeon me. I personally saw nothing, and I think my eyesight is as keen asanybody's. If there had been a man in the shadow of the hedge, as hesuggested,whyisitthatnobodyelsesawhim?"

Jimwasonthepointoftellingaboutthesongthatsostartledhimatdawn,butremembered that Sooper had asked him to say nothing about that strangeoccurrence.

"Astothe—er—magazine,well,thatmighthavebeenpartofthestupidjoke,"saidthesuspiciousMr.Cardew."Imaynothavehadagreatdealofcriminalpractice,butI'vecomeuponsomeveryremarkablecasesofdeceptionevenintheChanceryCourt.Youremember,MissLeigh,thestoryItoldyouaboutaclientofminewhoconcealedhisassets inbankruptcyandnearlyearnedformeareprimandfromthejudge!"

MissLeighhadheardthestory:shehadhearditmanytimes.ItwastheonepurplepatchinMr.Cardew'shumdrumlawpractice.

"What time do you go, Hannah?" He looked over his glasses at the stolidwoman.

"Ateleven."

"Youaretakingyourmachine?Thompsontellsmethatthehoodneedsrepair."

"It is good enough forme, and shouldbe good enough forThompson," shesaidshortly,andthereafterMr.Cardew'sinterestinherplansceased.

Hehimselfwasgoingintotowntogethis letters,andofferedtodropJimathis flat in Cheyne Walk. "As soon as breakfast is over," he said, and itappearedtoJimFerrabythathehadfixedthehoursoastobeoutofthehousebeforehissourhousekeeper.

TherewasonlyabriefopportunityforseeingElfabeforeheleft,andthisJimseized, to find her busy in Cardew's study, a dozen heaps of books on thelibrarytableandalookoftragicdespairinhereyes.

"Hewishedme to get them finished before he returns," she said helplessly."There are two days' work here—and I'm determined not to spend anothernight in this house! You are going, Mr. Ferraby?" Her tone was one ofdisappointment, and Jim revelled in the unaccustomed prospect of beingmissed.

"Yes,I'mgoing,butIwantyoutogivemeyouraddress,sothatIcanfindout

ifyouhavereachedhomesafely."

She laughed. "That is one of your lamest excuses. But I will give youmyaddress." She scribbled it down on a piece of paper and he put it into hispocket."I'mnotworryingaboutgettinghomesafely,becauseMr.CardewtoldmeIcouldleave,evenifIwasnotfinished,atfour,andhehadnotreturned."

"I'llcall—"hebegan.

Sheshookherhead. "You'll findmy 'phonenumberon thatpieceofpaper,"shesaid,herlipstwitching."PerhapsIwillletyoucallonedayandtakemetoa theatre, if it will not jeopardize your position—they tell me you aresomethingveryspecialintheProsecutor'sDepartment."

"Myposition is sohopelesslycompromised," said Jim firmly, "thatmyonlychanceofgettingbackistobeseeninrespectablecompany."

Heheldherhandquiteas longaswasnecessary,perhapsa little longer,andcarried awaywith him themost fragrantmemory, and at the same time themostextraordinarilyexaltedviewsofwomanhoodthathishearthadeverheld.

ThroughoutthejourneytotheCity,JimhadaconfusedideathatMr.CardewwastalkingaboutSuperintendentMinter,oritmayhavebeenMr.Elson;butall that he heard he instantly forgot. His heart was singing a wild anddangeroustune,hisheadswamintheambercloudsofromance.Whichisnotthe most profitable environment for an official of the Public Prosecutor'sDepartment.

ItwaswhenCardewswitchedtothesubjectofHannahthatJimcameslowlytoearth.

"I havebeen thinking thematter oververy carefully andvery thoughtfully,"saidthelawyer,"andIhavedecidedthatIcannotgooninthewayIhavebeenduring thepast fewyears. Ihave toleratedHannahbecause she is atheart agoodgirl.ButI'veonlyjustbeguntorealizehowtremendouslymywholelifeis determined by her whims and fancies. And then there is this infernalmystery,andIwillnothavemysteries—atleast,notatBarleyStack.Thereisanother thing: I cannot help thinking that there is something betweenElsonandHannah.Youmaythinkthatisapreposterousidea?"

IntruthJimFerrabythoughtitextremelypreposterous,foratthattimeSooperhadnottakenhimwhollyintohisconfidence.

"Ihaveinterceptedglancesbetweenthem.OnceIcameuponthemtalkingatthe end of the road. They sawme and scuttled like rabbits, and to this daythey'reunder the impression that I didnot see them. I don't knowwhat thisElson is, whether he is a bachelor or whether he is married. He is a verydisagreeableperson,yet,ifhehasanylikingoraffectionforHannah—which

is extremely doubtful, for such aman could not have any true affection foranybodybuthimself—well, I shouldbeveryglad.Ononepoint,however, Iamdetermined:Hannah—must—go."Hestruck the floorof thecarwithhisumbrellatoemphasizeeachword."Sheisgettingonmynerves,"hewenton."I would willingly pay a thousand pounds if she decided to take anotherposition."

"Youknow,ofcourse,thatshehaspackedallherboxes?"beganJim,whentheoldermanjerkedroundathim.

"Packedherboxes?"healmostsqueaked."Howdoyouknow?"

"Isawherinthenightthroughinywindow.Shemadenoattempttohidetheoperation. She cleared all her dresses out of the wardrobe, and, so far as Icouldsee,packedtheminhertrunk."

Mr. Cardew was silent for a long time. His ordinarily smooth brow waswrinkledinthescowlwhichaccompaniesconcentratedthought.

"I don't think there's anything in that," he said at last. "She has packed hertrunks before,when she has been annoyedwithme, and like an everlastingfool I have invariably gone down on my knees to her, metaphoricallyspeaking, andbeggedher to stay.But this time..."Thewagofhisheadwasominous.

He dropped Jim inWhitehall, and for the next two hoursMr. Ferrabywaswholly occupied with an accumulation of correspondence. There werestatementstobeexamined,primafaciecasesforarresttobedigested,and,intheabsenceofhischieffromtown,hehadhislunchbroughtinandclearedoffallarrearsbythreeo'clockintheafternoon,whenhestrolledupPallMalltohisclub.

Hisworkmight havebeen easier andmore expeditiously concluded if therehadnotbeen,betweenthepaperandhiseyesallthetime,thevisionofafacethat had nodefinite formor shape, butwas stabilized by a pair of steadfastgrey eyes, set widely apart. Once his typist brought back a document andaskedhimcoldlywho"Elfa"was,andhediscoveredthathehadsochristenedanotoriouscar-stealerwhosecasewasupforconsideration.

He found that she lived in Bloomsbury. There was no real reason why heshouldtakeacabtoCubittStreettolookatthehousefromtheoutside.Itboreastrikingresemblancetoeveryotherhouseinthestreet.Buttherewassomesatisfactionindecidingthatthewindowwiththelittlewhitecurtainswasherroom,andhefeltastrangefriendlinesstowardsabillboardadvertisementofacorncurewhichmustmeethereyeseverymorning.Not tillsomedays laterdid he learn that she slept in a room at the back of the house, which wasvisiblefromnoangleofthestreet.

At four o'clock he telephoned her: she had not returned. Since she did notintendleavingBarleyStackuntilfouro'clock,itwasunlikelythatshehad.Atfiveo'clocktherewasnonewsofher.Athalf-pastfive,whenhehadworkedhimselfupintoaconditionofpanic,andhisbigblackcarwasquiveringandrumblingatthedoorofhisclub,readyforalightningspintoBarleyStacktorescueherfromunimaginabledangers,hercoolvoiceansweredhim.

"Yes,I'mback...no,Mr.Cardewhasnotreturned.Hetelephonedtosaythathewasstayingintownforthenight."

"Won'tyoucomeandhavetea?"

Heheardher laugh."No, I'mgoing tohaveaquietevening, thankyouverymuch,Mr.Ferraby.Itislovelyhere."

"Ishouldsayitwas!"saidJimfervently."Ican'timagineanyplacewhereyouare—"

Click! She had hung up on him. Nevertheless, he went home in a state ofelationthatbordereduponimbecility.

Therewasavisitor,hewastoldbyhischauffeur,whowasalsohisvaletandhisbutler.ItwasMr.Cardew,verymuchatalooseend.

"Yourmantellsmeyou'regoingouttonight,"healmostcomplained."Icamealong to ask you if youwould come to the Opera House: they are playing'Faust' tonight, and I bought two seats in the hope that you'd be able toaccompanyme."

"I'msorry,"saidJim,"butI'veanengagement."

"Couldyoucometodinner?"

AgainJimmadehisapologies.

"I'munfortunate,"saidCardew,runninghisfingersthroughhishair."Ican'tdomuch else but go back to Barley Stack tonight." And then, miserably, "IwonderwhatthedevilHannahisdoingatBeachCottagetonight—I'dgivealotofmoneytoknow."

Jim might have promised to supply the information, but discreetly herefrained.

VII. AJOURNEYSOUTHWARD

Thestreet lampshadbeen litand the lastglowof lightwas fadingfromthewest,whenFerraby'sbigBentley shotdown themain streetofacountrified

suburbandpulledupbeforethemostrusticofallLondonpoliceheadquarters.Sooperwasinhistinyoffice,discussingalargeandindigestiblewedgeofpieandasteamingmugofcocoa.Helookedupandpointedtoachair.

"Sit down, won't you?" he said indistinctly. And when at last he hadswallowedatagulpthescaldingcontentsofthemug,andwipedhislipsonahandkerchief that had seen better days, he took a box of cigars from thedrawerofhisdeskandofferedtheinteriortoJim.

"No,thankyou,Sooper,"saidMr.Ferrabyhurriedly.

"What's thematterwith 'em?"demandedSooper,hurt. "Neverseenanybodywhodidn'tlikethesecigars."

"Takeagoodlookatme,"saidJim.

"The country's growin' decadent," said Sooper mournfully, as be applied amatchtotheendofapoisonous-lookingcylinder."Peoplearegettin'cowardly.Ibelieveinstandin'uptoathingandconquerin'it.I'veconqueredthesecigars,though I admit they've sent to the floormore people than I can count. I'vealwaysadmiredstrengthandpunch."

Hepuffed thenoxious fumes into theairwitheveryevidenceofenjoyment."Youcouldn'tbuythiscigarundertencentsinAmerica,andthat'swhereit'sgrown."

"Itakeleavetodoubtit,"saidJim.

"As a matter of fact," confessed Sooper, "they're made of home-growntobacco.They'reasortofpatrioticexperiment.And they'renotsobad,onceyougetusedto'em.Ourdivisionalsurgeonsaysthatthey'rehealthy.Hesaysnobugcouldliveinaradiusofamile.Hesaysthatcomingherebringsbackthewarveryvivid—hewasgassedinFrance."

He coughed, choked, looked dubiously at the cigar, and, shaking his head,threwitintothefireplace.

"Thatone'snotsogoodastheothers,"hesaid,andfilledhispipe."We'llmakeastartsoon,"lookingupattheclock.

"I'vesentLattimerdowninadvance,becausehe'sausefulkindofman,butifanythingcomesout,he'snotinit."

"Youmean,ifthere'sanytroubleaboutyourgoingbeyondyourterritory?"

Soopernodded."IlikeLattimer,thoughIneverlethimknowit,"hesaid."Ayoung fellow gets all puffed up if you hand him bouquets, and he'stemp'ramental,thesameasme.Hedoesn'tlikework."

AsSooperwasshufflingabout,findingcoatsandwraps,Jimthoughtitwasan

opportunemomenttotellhimElfa'sstoryof thebanknotesintheshapeofa'B'.Sooperlistenedintently.

"Elsonwastherethatnight,washe?"hesaidsoftly."That'sratherawonderfulcoincidence,forthatwomanissweetonElson,ormydeductionsarewrong.Andshe'sgotapull, too. I seem tohavean idea thatwe'vegot tobeprettyclever sleuths tonight to understand all we see—I almost wishMr. Cardewwascomingalong."

Andthen,whenJimaskedaquestion,heshookhishead.

"No,wehaven'tpickedupthattramp,andit'snotsowonderfulasyou'dthink.Theground'sbrokenandwoodyroundhere,and,what'smore,Cardew'splaceisjustoffthemainsouthernroad.Emptymarkettrolleysaregoingpastalldaylong, and it would be the easiest thing in the world to sneak under awaterproofcoverandgetaway.And,talkingofwaterproofcovers..."

Hewalkeddowntothestreetandexaminedthesky,camebackandtappedanancientbarometeronhisdesk,andnodded.

"I'vegotacornthat'llbeatthisthingtenyardsintwenty.Haveyoubroughtamackintosh?"

"I'veoneinthecar,"saidJim.

"You'llwantit,"repliedSooperlaconically.

ThemoonshowedwanlythroughafogofcloudastheystruckHorshamRoad,andtheyhadnotgoneadozenmilesbeforethesouthernhorizonflickeredandglowedredly,andlittleswirlsofdustshowedinthelightoftheheadlamps.

SoopersathuddledbyJim'sside,anddidnotspeakforaverylongtime.TheywereontheoutskirtsofHorshamwhentherainbegantofall,andJimstoppedtofixthehood.Therollandgrowlofthunderwasaudiblenow.

"Like thunderstorms," said Sooper cheerfully. "Nothing subtle about athunderstorm.Thunderstormsarefacts:there'snopsychologyto 'em.They'rejust like catching a man in the act." And then, when the car had clearedHorsham and was thundering up the Worthing Road, he said: "When awoman'sgotherheartsetonmarriage,she'saboutasreasonableasahungrywolfinameatstore—Iwonderwhat'B'stoodfor?"

"IsuggestBigFoot,"saidJim."That'sabeauty!"

Aheadofthemtheskiessuddenlycrackedwhitely,blindingly.

Sooperwaiteduntil thecrashandrollof the thunderhadmadehimaudible."BigFoot?Yes,possibly."Andthen:"WhydoyouthinkIamriskingmylifethis stormynightby thesideofa speed fiend,dashingmadly into the ragin'elements?TosatisfymycuriosityaboutHannahShaw?No,sir.I'mgoing,"he

spokeslowly—anddeliberately—'tounravelamystery—that'stheexpression,unravelamystery."

"Andwhatisthemystery,ifitisn'tHannah'speculiarbehaviour?"askedJimgood-humouredly.

"I'vebeenonthe trackof thismystery,"saidSooper,noddingsolemnly,"forsixandahalfyears.It'sthemysteryofanappointmentthatwasneverkept!"

Jimstaredathim.

"I'llbuyit,Sooper."

"There'snothingtobuy,"saidSoopercomplacently."It's justafact, like thatthereflashoflightning,andtheartilleryoftheheavens,ifonemayuseahigh-classexpressionthatIreadinabook,thenameofwhichIforget.Nevercouldrememberthenamesofbooks.Sixandahalfyears,"heruminated."It'salongtime,butit'sashorttimeforanoldman.Flick!Itcomesanditgoes,quickerthanlightning—an'thatdoesn'texactlyloiter.Heaskedmetogotohishousein Chellamore Gardens. Sir Joseph Brixton was his name, and he was analdermanoftheCityofLondon.He'snowdeadandpop'larlysupposedtobeinheaven.Butheaskedmetogotohishouse,andIwent,andhewasnotathome.At least,hesaidhewasn'tathome,butsentmea letterbyhisbutler,thankingme for all the trouble I'd taken, and two ten-poundnotes.Which Igavetoacharity."Sooperpaused."Thecharitythatbeginsathome."

"What on earth has this to dowith ourwild adventure tonight?" asked Jim,cleaningtherainscreenforthehundredthtime.

"A whole lot," murmured Sooper. "I'm just beginning to enjoy this trip—IhopeLattimerhasgothisoilskin."

"DidyouknowwhyBrixtonsentforyou?Irememberthemanverywell"

Soopernoddedinthedarkness.

"Idoknow,"hesaid."AndIknowwhyhebrokehisappointment."

"Butyousaid—-"beganJim.

"IknowwhatIsaid.Iprettywellknowwhy.Butit'sthehowthat'sgotmealltemperamental."

The rain was pelting down, the lightningwas so incessant that Jim had noneedofhisheadlamps.HeturnedoffthepostroadandstruckasecondarythatledtoGreatPawseyvillage.

That ancient hamletwas indarkness except for the light that streamed fromthewindowsof thevillage inn, ashe skirted thebroadgreen andbegan thesteepdescenttothebeachroad.

Great Pawsey was separated from Little Pawsey by some fivemiles—by awholeuniverse in somerespects, forLittlePawsey,as it appears stillon themaps of the 'eighties, has long since dropped its contemptible prefix. Thesmall fishing village has become a fashionable watering-place; its name,'Pawsey',ispickedoutinhugeelectriclampsonthefaceofthecliff.Ithasawintergardenandaparadeandapier.Bandsplayinitsornamentalgardens,great actors appear in itsmammoth theatre. It has hotels of suchmagnitudeandimportancethateventhehallportersarecalled'Mister'.

TworoadsconnectPawseywithitspoorrelation.One,thatcrossesthedownsparallelwith thecliff, and theother theLowerBeachRoad that runsby thesideofthesea.Theformerisperfectlymetalledandexpensivelyilluminated;the lower is little more than a cart track. On the higher thoroughfare, themunicipalityandtowncouncilofPawseyhavelavishedthetaxpayers'money—its disreputable companion, being the object of a feud between the WarDepartment,whichownsaslipoftheforeshore,andthecityfathers,remainsverymuchas itwas in thedaysofour fathers.Fromtime to time the localnewspaperssplashedahecticheadline"TheLowerRoadScandal",andfierystatementsweremadeatcouncilmeetingsdenouncingtheWarDepartmentforits refusal to co- operate in the cost of repair, but the net result of all thespeakingandallthewritingwasnotvisibleinanykindofimprovement.

"It's certainly a hell of a road," said Sooper, as the machine bumped andslithereddown the rockyhill. "We'llpark thecarat thebottom, ifyoudon'tmind—there'sasortofoldquarrythere."

"Youknowtheplace?"askedJiminsurprise.

"Ordnancemap,"wastheexplanation."Beenstudyin'allmornin'.Thehouseisfive hundred 'n' fifty yards from the foot of the hill an' two miles threefurlongsfromPawsey.WeoughttofindLattimerwhenwestrikethelevel—dimthoselamps,ofyours,Mr.Ferraby."

Lattimer, amoist and shining figure, stood in the shelter of an overhanging"cut"—theywould have passed him unnoticed if he had not stepped out ofcover..

"Nobodyhascometo thehouseyet,sir,"hereported,as theysteppedoutofthecar.

"What!ButMissShawcamehereearlythismorning,"saidJim.

"I'dhavebeensurprisedifshehad,"saidSooper."Infact, Iknewshehadn'tcomethismornin'."

Ferrabywasstaggered.

"That'sdeduction,"saidSoopercomplacently;'deductionan'logic.Maybeit's

psychologytoo."

"Buthowdidyouknowthatshehadn'tcomethismorning?"insistedJim.

"Because Lattimer 'phoned me an hour ago," was the calm reply. "That'sproperpolicelogicalwork:havin'amanonthespotan'gettin'himto'phone.Anddeduction—Ideducethathe's tellin' the truth.Put thatcarrightbacksothat nobody can see it, Mr. Ferraby—Sergeant, show your lamp...now alllightsout,please."

The rainbeatdownmercilessly, though the thunderstormhadpassed.Outatsea thewhiteribbonof lightningshowedat intervalsas theystumbledalongtheroad,aidedbyoccasionalflashesfromthesergeant'slamp.

BeachCottage stood between road and sea, a squat stone bungalow, almostsurroundedbyabrickwall,breasthigh.Ateachendofthehousetherewasagapinthefencingtoadmitaroughcarriagetrack.

"Surethere'snobodythere?"

"Certain,sir;thedoorhasapadlockontheoutside."

"What'sthatbuildingbehind—agarage?"

Jim could see no building other than that which loomed before them, butSooperhadcat'seyes.

"No,sir;that'stheboathouse.It'sempty.WhenMr.Cardewusedtheplace,soaboatmantoldme,hehadaskiff,butthatwassold."

Soopertrieddoorsandwindowswithoutresult.

"Surelyshecan'tbecoming,"saidJim."Probablythestormscaredher."

Sooper grunted something derogatory to the storm as a factor in HannahShaw'splans.

"I'mnotsayingthatshe'llcome,"hesaid."MaybeI'vebeenthe'rizin':that'smytrouble,Ithinktoomuch."

Jimthoughthehadneverseenamoredesolatedwelling.

Ononesidewasthesea;ontheother,beyondtheroad,thegrimescarpmentofthecliffs,onlytobeguessedatinthepitchdarknessofthenight.

"Theplace is honeycombedwith caves," saidLattimer, "most of themquiteinaccessible."

Theyhadwithdrawn to the roadandwerewalkingslowly towards theplacewherethecarwasconcealed.

"Idon'twonderthatthere'snotarushtorentCardew'ssummercottage,"said

Jim.

"What's thematterwith it?" askedSooper. "It's the kind of place I'd like toretiretowhenItakemypension.I'llbetit'sapeachofahouseinthesunlight;andanyway,what'stheretodoatnightbuttosleep?"

Hedivedintohisclothes,andJimsawthephosphorescentglowofhiswatchdial.

"Eleven,asnearasmakesnodifference,"hesaid."We'llgivehertilltwelve,andthenI'llstartapologizing."

"Whatdidyouexpecttofindhere?"askedJim,puttingintowordsthequestionhehadbeenaskinghimselfallthatevening.

"That's goin' to be difficult to say," drawled Sooper. "Onlywhen amiddle-agedspinstergetskeenonmarriage,andwhenshesayswhatshe'sgoin'todoifshedon'tgetmarried,I'mentitledtobeinterestedinher.MaybeIexpectedtogetastrongerlinethanIlooklikegettin',maybe—"

HeclutchedsuddenlyatJim'sarmanddrewhimtooneside.

"Behindthatrock,quick!"hehissed.

VIII. THEKITCHEN

Ontheroadhadapproachedtwodimlights,thelampsofanapproachingcar.

Jimtrippedandstumbledtowardsthecliffandfoundcover,Soopercrouchingat his side, Lattimer flat on the ground behind them. The car was movingquickly. Itwas abreast of thembefore Jim imagined itwas possible on thatroughroad.Asthelittlemachineflashedpasthehadafleetingvisionofadarksilhouette—a woman with a wide-brimmed hat, bent forward as though tomeettherainthatsweptalongthebeach.

Inafewsecondsthecarhadturnedintotheopeninginthewallandhadcometoastandstillbeforethedoorofthehouse.

"She's opening the door," whispered Jim, as the squeak and grind of a keyturninginthepadlockwasbornetothemonthewind.

Soopersaidnothing.Presentlytheyheardthedoorslam,andthenherose.

"Noconversation,"hewarnedthemunderhisbreath,andledthewaytowardsthebungalow.

Thecarstoodsquarelybeforethedoor.Movinglikeacat,hecrepttoitsside,

felttheradiatorandwassatisfied.Thewindows,heknew,wereshuttered.Hepassedroundthehousetotheback.Therewasnosoundfromwithin;nolightshowed.Comingback to thedoor, he found thepadlock loose and, bendingforward,listened.Hiseffortswereunrewarded,andhecamebacktothemanhehadleftbythewall.

"Somebodyelseiscoming,"hesaid."She'snothereforthenight—she'sleftthecarrunning.She'scertainlyheavyonjuice!"

Theywentbacktotherockthathadservedthemforahidingplaceandsettleddownto theirvigil.Aquarterofanhour,halfanhourpassed,and then theyheardthedooropenandcloseagain,andtherecametothemthesoundofthepadlockbeingfastened.

"She'snotstayin'."Sooperwassurprised:hishurttonewasthatofamanwhohad been cheated. "Now why in thunder—get under cover, she's taken thedimmersoff!"

Fromthelittlecar,invisibleuntilthen,shottworaysofstrongwhitelight,butonly for a second. They were dimmed again almost immediately, and soremained until the machine shot through the second opening and turnedtowardsthem.

Theyhadjusttimetodropoutofsightwhentheheadlampsglaredoutofthedarkness. Again they caught a glimpse of the bowed head and the wide-brimmedhat,andthenthecarwasgoneandonlythefaintrearlampgleameddully.

Sooperrosewithagrowl.

"I'mapologizin',"hesaid."Bothdeductionan'psychologyarepunk.Shegoesinandshecomesoutandshedisappearethnomanknowswhither.Withabitofluckweoughttobeabletopickherupandtrailhertotheplacewhereshereallylives."

But they had some distance to travel before they could reach Jim's car, andthen the inevitable happened. One of his tyres was down, and though thewheelwaschangedwiththeleastpossibledelay,theydidnotpickuptheFordorseethemachineagain.

InGreatPawseytheysurprisedthevillagepoliceman,whohadnoinformationtogive.Hehadseenthetwocarsgothrough,butuntiltheyhadarrivednonehadreturned.

"I'mleavin'youhere,Lattimer—maybethey'llputyouupatthecooler.Iwantsomebodyonthespot."

They came back into the storm near Horsham, and the thunder was rollingheavilywhenawearyJimpulleduphiscarbeforeSooper'soffice.

"Comeinanddrinkcoffee,"saidSooper,whohadbeenaverysilentmanallthewaybacktotown."MaybeIcanthinkbetteroutoftherain.I'mcertainlyfeeling very temp'ramental over bringing you on this fool job,Mr. Ferraby.Big Foot—humph!We ought to have passed that flivver. Don't like it verymuch."

Hesat,abedraggled,harsh-facedman,inhischair.

"Don'tlikeit!Shecouldn'thavegoneintoPawsey—Ilookedforwheeltracksaswe passed. She didn't strikeGreat Pawsey—the intelligent officer on thestreethadn'tseenanyFord,an'strangelyIbelievedhim.He'sanhonestman—IhadhimwithmeonacasewhenIwasat theYard.Andshedidn'tgointoPawsey,I'llswear.WepassedtheendoftheroadandIstoppedyou,didn'tI?Theroad'salllitupandtherewasn'tacartrack.Lattimermaysendmenews—I'veaskedhimtophone."

Thedesksergeantcameinatthatmoment.

"SomebodyatGreatPawseywantstospeaktoyou,Superintendent."

Sooperslippedoutofhischairanddashedtotheoldfashionedwallphoneinthecharge-room.

"It'sLattimerspeaking,Super:I'vefoundthatFordcar."

"Where?"

"Onthetopof thecliff—itmusthaveturnedoff theroadthat leadsdowntothebeach—SeaHillwecallit."

"Lightsonoroff?"askedSooperquickly.

"Off,sir—queerthingaboutitthat,writteninchalkacrossthebackofthecar,aretwowords—'BigFoot.'"

"BigFoot,eh?Anythingelse?Nobodywithit,ofcourse?"

"No,sir."

Sooperthoughtquickly.

"WakeupthelocalsergeantandphonethechiefatPawsey.Youmightsearchthe topof thecliffsand theundercliff tosee ifyoucanfindanybody. I'llberightdown.You'vekeptthehouseunderobservation?Good!"

Hehungupthereceiverandrepeatedthegistoftheofficer'sinformation."I'mgoing to see," he said, "but I'll have to fix it with the Yard. I'll call up acommissioner.Goan' findCardewan'get thekeyof thebungalow.Bring itbackjustasquickasyoucan."

Mr.Cardewhad avery small flat nearRegent'sPark; a pied-a-terre for him

whenhewishedtospendanightintown.

Jimwasfortunate,fortheouterdoorsoftheflatsarelockedatmidnight,anditis impossible to secure admission except bywaking every one of the dozenfamilieswhichoccupyeachblock.Buthisarrivalcoincidedwiththereturnofacheerypartyfromoneofthedanceclubs,andhegotpasttheouterdoorandmountedtothethirdfloor,wheretheamateurcriminologisthadhishabitation.

Mr.Cardewwas a light sleeper, and as Jim knocked for the second time, alightappeared in thepassageand thedooropened to the lengthof thechainthatheldit.

"Goodheavens,Ferraby!"hesaid,ashefumbledwiththechain."Comein—whatonearthbringsyouhereatthishour?"

InthefewestwordsJimtoldhimofthenight'sadventure.

"I'msurethatinthecircumstancesyou'llforgiveme,"hesaid,"butIhadtotellMinterabout thethreateningletterandI thinkhetakesaseriousviewofthematter."

Mr.Cardewrumpledhishair,whichwasalreadyinastateofdisorder.

"Shedidn'tarriveuntillateatnight?"heaskedinatoneofbewilderment."ButsheleftBarleyStacksoonaftereleven.Whereisshe?"

"ThatisexactlywhatMinterwishestodiscover,"saidJim.

"Thecarhasbeenfoundabandoned,withthewords'BigFoot'writtenacrossthebody.Sooperthinksthattherehasbeenfoulplay—infact,thelocalpoliceare at thismoment searching thebeachandcliff for—well, not toput it toodelicately,herbody."

Cardewcouldonlyshakehishead."Ican'tbelieveit—itistoo—tooghastly.Ihaveduplicatedkeys, but they are inmy chambers at theTemple. JustwaitwhilstIdress—haveyouacarhere?Ifnot,youhadbettergetacab."

Hewasnotlongerthanafewminuteschanging,andwhenhejoinedthecallerhewasdressedforalongjourney.

"OfcourseImustgowithyou,"hesaidquietly."Icouldn'tpossiblyrestuntilIknewthetruthaboutHannah."

ThemachinebroughtthemtothegatesoftheTemple,andMr.Cardewwentquickly through the postern and returned in a fewminuteswith a bunch ofkeys.

"Theyareonthisring:Ididnotwaittosearchthemout;wecandothatlater."

If Sooper was surprised to see the despised amateur he did not betray hisemotion.

"Nothin'hasbeenfoundonorunderthecliff,"hesaid."Findmethekeys,Mr.Cardew."

Withlittledifficulty,thelawyerdiscoveredanddetachedthreefromthebunch.

"Arethereanyothersthanthese—Imeananyotherduplicates?"

"No—therehaveneverbeenmorethantwosets.OnethatIgivetopeoplewhorentorusethecottage,andtheotherwhichiskeptinmyoffice.These,bytheway,haveneverbeenused."

Just before they left on the southward journey, Sooper took the youngmanaside.

"IsentafelleruptoHillBrowtolocateElson.Hewentoutatninelastnightandhasn'treturned.HetookhistwoseaterRolls,andhischauffeurdidnotgowithhim.I'mtellin'youthis—maybeyou'llhearmoreaboutitwhenthecasecomesuptotheProsecutor'soffice.KnowCardew'sgard'ner?"

"Youwereaskingabouthimtheothernight?"

"Yuh,"saidSooper,anddidnotpursuethesubject.

JimtookthewheelandagainthelongcarroaredalongtheHorshamRoad,butthis timewith less caution, for the roadwas empty, the streets ofHorshamitselfaplaceofthedead.

Thestormhadfinallypassed,starsshowedbetween thecloudwrack,and insomethingoverthehourthemachinehadstoppedbeforethetinybuildingthatserved as lodging for the village sergeant and a lock-up for the infrequenttrampswhooutragedthelawsofGreatPawsey.

The sergeant was waiting for them, and two detectives from the moreimportantPawsey.

"We'vefoundnothing,sir,"reportedthesergeant,"butoneofourvillagerssawawomanwalkingtowardsthesearoadandgodownthehill."

"Whenwasthis?"

"About two hours ago.He said she came from the direction of the railwaystation—PawseyHalt,whichismidwaybetweenhereandthetown.ThelasttrainfromLondonstopsattheHaltbutIhaven'tbeenabletofindthestationman."

"Shewasn'tcomingfromtherailwayatall,"saidSooper."Shemayhavebeentryingtogivethatimpression.DoyoueverusetheHalt,Mr.Cardew?"

"Ihavegotdownthereonceduringthewar,"saidCardew;"usuallyifIcomebyrail.IgointotheterminusatPawseyanddriveoutbyastationfly."

"HasHannahShawbeen in thehabitofcomingby rail?"Cardewshookhishead.

"Notsince1918,"hesaid."Wespentaveryconsiderabletimehereduringthewar:duringtheweek-endswhenairraidswerelikelywecamedownhereforquiet."

Thederelictcarhadnotbeenmoved, thesergeant toldthem,andtheyfoundthe machine in the position described by the policeman. It was easy tounderstandwhytheyhadpasseditontheirwaytoGreatPawsey.Thecarhadbeendrivenupagentlebankanddownintothesteepofahollowontheotherside. Itwasout of sight from thehill road,which in the last fifty yards ranthroughacutting.

WiththeaidofhislampSooperexaminedthemachinecarefully.Thechalkedinscriptionontheback,thoughitexcitedMr.Cardew,didnotseemtointeresttheoldpoliceofficer.

"Itisn'twhitechalk—it'sgreen!"saidCardew."Billiardchalk?"

"Maybewe'llfindherinabilliardsaloon,"snarledSooper."Letuslookforthecue!"

WhereafterMr.Cardewpreservedadignifiedsilence.

Sooper'smostthoroughinspectionwasofthecar'sinterior.

Heinspectedthehoodinchbyinchandpresentlylowereditbefore,standingontherunning-board,hebroughtthelightofhistorchslowlyalongthefloorandtheseat,bothinthedrivingandthepassengerspace.

"Theseatisscratched...recentscratchestoo,thecanvasshows,anditisquiteclean. No mud on the foot brake or clutch. There's nothing here ofconsequence."

TheycamebacktoJim'smachine.

"Haveyoubeendowntothebungalow,Sergeant?"Sooperasked,andLattimeransweredyes.

"Nobodyis there; theplacehasbeenwatchedsinceyouleft—thereisamanwatchingnow."

SoopersteppedintothecarbyJim'sside,andthelocalofficers,findingwhataccommodation theycouldon the footboard, thecarwentdown thehill andstruckthebeachroad.

Thistimeitwentontothehouseandthemendescended.

"Howhorriblyeerie!"saidCardewwithashiver."Ihaveneverrealizedhowlonelyanddesolatethisplaceofmineis!"

The car had been stopped, at Sooper's suggestion, so that the light of theheadlampsfellonthedoor.

"Thepadlockison;she'snothere."

Sooperwas unmoved by the discovery. "Never expected shewas," he said."But she was here. She came for something. Did she have any kind ofbelongingshere,Mr.Cardew?"

Thelawyershookhishead.

"None,exceptthoseshemayhavebroughttoday,"hesaid.

"She brought nothing today," replied Sooper emphatically. "Did she keepanythinginacupboardorwardrobe?"

"Nothing,sofarasIknow."

Sooperfittedthekeyinthepadlockandthelockturnedeasilyenough.Therewasalocktothedoor,andwhenthishadbeendealtwithandthedooropened,Sooperflashedhislampintothedarkinterior.

Itwasasmalllobby.Beyondwasaseconddoor,theupperhalfofwhichwaspanelled in glass. It opened at a touch and he found himself in a narrowpassagethatranfromthefronttothebackofthehouse.

"Staywhereyouare,"hewarnedthem."I'mgoin'tomakeasearchan'IguessI'dliketobealone."

The two rooms opening from the passage on the right were first explored.Theywerebedrooms,veryplainly furnished.Thebedshadbeen strippedofclothes,andheguessedthatthelinenwasinthelockedpressesthathefoundineachapartment.

Hewentbacktothefrontofthehouseandexaminedthefirstroomontheleft.Itwasadining-room,andaquickexaminationrevealednoremarkablefeature.In one wall was an opening covered by a shutter, evidently a serverycommunicating with the kitchen, which was the only room now leftunexplored.Hetriedthekitchendoor;itwaslocked,andhewentbacktothewaitingmen.

"Haveyougotthekitchenkey?"heasked.

"No,"saidCardewinsurprise."Thereisakeytothekitchen—butitisnevertakenaway.Isn'titinthelock?"

Sooperreturnedandtriedthehandle,butthedoorwasfast.Andthenhebegantosniff,andcalledJim.

"Smellanything?"heasked."Seemslikesomethin'burnin'tome."

Ferrabycoulddetectapeculiarlypungentodour thatwasqueerly familiar tohim.

"Cordite!" he said suddenly. "A rifle or revolver has been fired here—andrecently!"

"Thoughtitwas,"saidSoopercalmly."GotanideaIknewthathot-ironsmell.Door'slockedfrominside."

He went back to the dining-room. The shutter of the servery was fast—hefoundasmallkeyholeandthistimecalledCardew.

"Yes,itlocksbutIhavenoideawherethekeyis.Itwasthereduringthetimemy secretary was here, Miss Leigh, and its loss has not been reported. Itfastenswithaspringcatch,and if itwereclosedbyaccident itcouldnotbeopenedwithoutakey.Ineverhadaduplicate.Can'tyougetintothekitchen?"

"No—that'sfastenedontheinside."

"Then break the shutter," suggested Cardew, and guided Lattimer to a littleouthousewhereafewrustytoolswerekept.

Asmallcase-openerwasfound,andSooper, fixing theclawbetweenshutterandwall,workedatthelock.Presently,withacrash,itbroke,andheslidbackthecover.Nowtheranksmellofcorditewasmarked—evenCardewbegantosniff.

"Whatsmellisthat?"heasked,butSooperdidnothearhim.

Leaning through theopening,hewassearching theroomwithhis lamp,andsuddenlythewhitecircleoflight,movingslowlyalongthefloortowardsthedoor, revealed a boot. The toe was pointing to the ceiling...the lightmoved...anotherfoot,theedgeofadarkskirt.

Awomansatwithherbacktothedoor,herheadsunkforwarddrunkenlyonherbreast.Soopercouldnotseeherface,butheknewitwasHannahShaw,andhedidnotneedtheevidenceoftherivuletsofbloodonthefloortoknowthatshewasdead.

IX. THEVISITOR

Sooperwithdrewhisheadslowlyfromtheaperture.

"Everybodyhadbetter stay here," he said. "Sergeant, go find a doctor....Mr.Ferraby,youcandrivetheofficer...no,Iguessyou'dbetterstay.Youmaybeconcernedinthiscase."

Lattimer volunteered to drive the car to the village, and, after a whisperedconsultationwithSooper,departedhurriedly.

"Notthatanydoctor'sgoin'tobeanyuse."

"Whathashappened?"askedCardewtremulously."MyGod...notHannah?"

Soopernodded."I'mafraiditis,Mr.Cardew,"hesaidgently.

"Hurt...dead?"

AgainSooper inclined his head. "Yes: you'd best stay here. Followme,Mr.Ferraby. Use a chair to stand on."With an unexpected agility he wriggledthrough the hole in thewall, and Jim followed. "Pull the shutter close: I'mgoingtolightthelamp."

Sooper lifted the glass chimney of a small kerosene lamp that stood on thekitchentable,andlititcarefully,layingthematchstickonthetable.

JimFerrabywasgazingawe-strickenattheinanimatefigurebythedoor.

"Isitsuicide?"heasked,almostinawhisper.

"Ifitis,we'llfindthegun,"repliedSooper."She'sdead...that'safact.I'msorryIgotsofreshwithher.Shewasn'tabadwoman—aswomengo."

Hestoopeddownandpeeredintothecolourlessface.

"Notsuicide,"hesaid,almostcheerfully."Neverthoughtitwas.Murder—buthow? Here's the door locked on the inside—see the key? And the serveryshutterlocked,keyontheinside—noticethattoo?"Hetriedtheheavyshuttersthatcoveredthewindow:theywerebolted.

Onthetablewasawoman'shandbag,whichhadevidentlybeenturnedout,fora medley of small feminine belongings and a packet of paper money wasscatteredonthetable.

"Fifty-fivepoundsEnglishandtwothousanddollars inAmericanbills,"saidSooper,counting."What'sthebrickmean?"

Itwasaredbrick,well-wornononesurface.Attachedtothiswasacircleofrubber,whichinturnwasattachedtoastring.

"Thefloorisofredbrick,"saidJim.

"Yes...noticedthat."Soopertookupthelampandstooped,searchingthefloor.Immediatelyunderthecentreofthetablewasanoblongcavitythatthebrickexactlyfitted.

"Therubber iswhatweused tocalla 'sucker'whenIwasaboy,"meditatedSooper. "Theycall 'em 'vacuums'nowadays: that'showheor shepulledoutthebrick."

Goingdownonhiskneeswiththelampathisside,hepeeredintotheshallowhole.

"There'sbeensomethinghidhere,"hesaid;'that'swhatshecamedowntoget.Iwonderedwhysheonlystayedalittlewhile."

"Buthowdidshegetback...thefrontdoorwaspadlockedfromtheoutside?"

Soopershookhishead;"Gotalotofthingstothinkaboutjustnow,"hesaid."Anyway,wedidcomedownforsomething!"

Againhe squatteddownbefore thequiet figure,hisunlightedpipeclenchedbetween his teeth, a frown of anxious concern adding to the lines of hisforehead.

"Can'tmove her till the doctor comes," he said, getting up again. "Shewasshotatcloserange—hemusthavestoodonthissideofthetable...somewhereabouthere,"hepointed. "Probablyanautomatic, though Ican't see theshellanywhere.Shewasstandingtotherightofthedoor:seethemarkonthewall.Then shewalkeda stepand sliddownby thedoor.Bulletwent through theheart, I think, and dead people oftenwalk a pace or two. Left glove on an'right glove off. She never intended stayin'. Do you notice anything, Mr.Ferraby,anythingveryremarkable?"

Jimshookhisheadhelplessly."TherearesomanythingsthatareremarkablethatIcan'tdifferentiate,"hesaid.

Sooper's nose wrinkled. "Cardewwould have seen it before I did," he said"She'sgotnohaton—andnocoat."

It was true the figure was bareheaded; there was no sign of coat ormackintosh.

"An'lookatthatclothespegonthewall...seeanythingontheground?"

"Water,"saidJim.

"Ranoffherraincoat.Shehungitupwhenshecameinthefirsttime,anyway.Wheredidsheleavehercoatandhat?"

"Probablytheyareinoneoftheotherrooms,"suggestedFerraby,andtheoldmanshowedhisteeth.

"They'renot in thehouse. Ididn'tcombtherooms,but Ihadagoodlookat'em.Andthoseclothesarenotinthishouse!"

Histonewasexultant.Itwasasthoughhehadachievedsomegreatpersonaltriumph.

"There'sthedoctor,"hesaid."He'llhavetocomethroughtheholeinthewall,an'ifhe'sfathe'llhateit."

The doctor proved to be a young man, who made light of the business ofenteringthekitchen.

Therewasneveranydoubtwhat theverdictwouldbe. "No, I couldnot sayhow long she has been dead. Certainly over an hour. I have phoned for anambulance.SergeantLattimertoldmewhathadhappened."

Sooper looked at hiswatch: it was half after three. "I'll wait till she's gonebeforeIdoanymore,"hesaid.

When,afewminuteslater,themotorambulancehadarrivedandthepitiableobject had been removed, Sooper unbarred the shutters and opened thewindow.OnlyJimandheremainedoftheparty.Mr.Cardewhadbeentakenawayinastateofcollapse,andLattimerhadgoneawaywiththeambulancetomakeasearch.

"Andaprettygoodthingtoo,"saidSooperheartlessly."Icouldn'thavestoodforhispsychologizin'.It'sprettydarkforcloseonfour,"hesaid,lookingoutof thewindow, "but it's still rainin'. Fine English summerweather. Look atthat."

Helaidonthetablealongyellowenvelope."Founditunderherwhenshewasmoved,"hesaid.

Jimexaminedthecover.

"Empty,"hesaid,andreadthetypewrittenaddressandgasped.

'DR.JOHNW.MILLS,CoronorofWestSussex,Hailsham,Sussex.'

"Thenitwas—suicide?"

Sooperfoldedtheenvelopebeforehereplied.

"Dr.Millshasn'tbeencoronerofWestSussexsincefiveyears,"hesaid,"thatbein' the amount of time he's been dead. I happen to be certain about thatbecauseIwenttohisfuneral."

"Butwhoeverwrotethatdidn'tknow?"

"They certainly didn't know," said Sooper, with a touch of his oldmysteriousness.

Jim watched him prying about the kitchen, peeking into ovens, openingcupboards, pulling out drawers, and the realization of the tragedy began togrowonhim.Ithadbeensoterrificallysuddenandunexpectedthathecouldnotabsorb its truesignificance.And,strangelyenough,his first thoughtwastheeffectwhichthistremendoushappeningwouldhaveuponElfaLeigh.Shewould be shocked beyond measure, pained more because she disliked thewoman.

"It's certainlyawonderfulmurder," saidSooper,withanecstatic sigh, ashestoppedtolighthispipe."I'mgladIcalledupthecommissioner.He'sagoodfelleran'maybehe'llletmeholdthecase.Thatmanknowswhenathing'singoodhands.He's intelligent. Iwonderwhy theykeephimat theYard. Ifheputs anotherman in charge, he ain't fit for his job—few of these guys are.They get pushed into jobs because their wives have got a pull with theSecretaryofState..."heproceededlibellously.

"No weapon of any kind in the place," he went on, "no shell on the floor.Nothin'butanemptyenvelopeaddressedtothecoroner...didMissShawuseatypewriter,doyouknow,Mr.Ferraby?"

"Ibelieveshedid:Mr.Cardewtoldmethatshehadanoldone."

"Itwaswritten by an amachoor," saidSooper, taking the envelope fromhispocket, "and somebody who hasn't written 'coroner' very often—It's speltwrong. Few people can spell on a typewriter. I got to have that raked forfingerprints."

Hehaddug thebullet from thewall, abent steel cylinder, and it layon thetable."That'sa .42automatic,"hesaid,asheputaway theenvelope."Samecalibreasthoseinthemagazinewepickeduponthelawn.Notanunusualsizeof gun, so don't draw conclusions: they are only made in two sizes. Shecouldn'thaveownedone;womenareafraidoffirearms,andbesides,Cardewwouldhaveknown."

"Wherehashegone?"askedJim.

"Into Pawsey—to the GrandHotel." Sooper chuckled quietly. "When the'rygetsintotheringwithfact,hetakesthecountinthefirstround.Here'sabigfact—death by violence. To sit around in a comfortable armchair an' play afiddlean'th'rizeisonething;tocomeupagainstthesmellofbloodan'generalnastinessisanother..."

Hestoppedandbenthishead,listening.Throughtheopenwindowcametheceaseless"hushhush"ofthewavesstrikingthesandybeach.

"There's somebody fumblin' at thedoor,"he said, and, pickingup the lamp,walkedsoftlyintothepassage.

Jim heard it now and his flesh crept.A soft scratching sound, the swish ofhandspassingoverthepanels,andthenthedoorhandleturnedalittle.

Sooper looked at Jim and his nod was an instruction. Jim Ferraby creptforward,turnedthekeyquicklyandpulledopenthedoor.

Standingonthestepwasaslimfigure,rain-drenched,dishevelled.

Shestaredattheyoungmanstupidly.

"Helpme,"shemuttered,asshestumbledforwardintohisarms.ItwasElfaLeigh!

"Don'tmove—listen!"

Sooperhissedthewords,andJimstoodmotionless,theunconsciousgirlinhisarms.Fromsomewhereinthedarknessandfromfarawaycamethemournfulcadencesofasong:"TheMoorishkingridesupanddownThroughGranada'sroyaltown,AydemiAlhama!"

"Hell!"roaredSooper,asheputdownthelampanddashedpastthemintothenight.

X. ELFA'SSTORY

Dayhadbrokengreylywhenhecamebacktorecordhisfailure.

"Hemust have been singing from the top of the cliff," he grumbled. "Thatmusical tramp gets an engagement first time I reach within gunshot of hisnibs!Now,whataboutthisyounglady?"

"I've built a fire for her in one of the bedrooms," said Jim. "She is quiterecovered."

"Haveyoutoldheranything?"

Jimshookhishead."No,Ididn'tthinkthatwaswiseinherpresentstate.Poorgirl,she'shadaterribletime."

Elfaheardthevoicesinthepassageandopenedthedooraninch."IsthatMr.Minter?Iwillbeoutinalittlewhile."

She appeared in a fewminutes,wrapped in Jim'smackintosh, her bare feetthrust into a pair of old slippers which she had found in the linen press."Where is Miss Shaw?" was the first question she asked. "Has anythinghappened?Whyareyouhere?"

"Well,wejustcamedowntohavealookround,"saidSoopercalmly."Gotanideaoftakin'theplaceforthesummer."

"WhereisMissShaw?"sheaskedagain.

"She'sgoneaway,"saidSooper.

Thegirl looked fromone face to theother, trying to read thegrim riddleoftheirpresence."Somethinghashappened."

"Itseemstohavehappenedtoyou,MissLeigh,anyway,"saidSoopergood-

naturedly."Howdidyoucometobearoundhereinthemiddleofthenight?"

"MissShawsentforme,"wastheunexpectedreply.

Shewentbacktothebedroomandreturnedwithtwotelegraphformscoveredwith writing. Sooper adjusted his pince-nez and read. The telegram wasaddressedtoElfaatherlodgingsinCubittStreet.

'Iwantyoutodomeaverygreatfavour.AssoonasyoureceivethiscometoMr. Cardew's cottage on Pawsey Beach. If I am not there wait for me.Howeverlateyouarriveyoumustcome.Haveneveraskedyoufavourbeforebutyourpresencewillhaveaninfluenceonmylife.Iwantyoutobewitnesstoaveryimportantmatter.Iappealtoyou,asonewomantoanother.'

It was signed "Hannah Shaw". The telegram had been dispatched fromGuildford,Surrey,atsixo'clockthepreviousnight.

"Ireceiveditsoonafterseven,"saidElfa"andIreallydidn'tknowwhattodo.Thefact thatIdonot likeMissShawverymuchmademytaskall themoredifficult.AtlastIdecidedIwouldgo,andafterdinnerIcaughtthelasttrainatteno'clock,andgotdownatthestationhalt—"

"Thenitwasyouthevillagerssawcrossingfromthedirectionofthestation?"interruptedSooper."Ofcourse!Thatremovesoneofthestumblingblockstomy theory.Goon,MissLeigh.Whatwere you doing between then and thetimewefoundyou?"

"There is a footpath down the face of the cliff which cuts offmuch of theroad,"thegirlcontinued."IknoweveryinchofthegroundandhaveexploredthecliffsasfarasPawsey,soIdidn'thaveanydoubtaboutfindingmyway,the more so since I brought a little pocket-lamp with me, and that helpedconsiderably.TherewasanotherreasonwhyIcamedownthecliffpath:itwasaterriblystormynightandthecliffgavemecoverfromtherain.WhatIdidn'tknow was that there had been a landslide here last summer, and half-waydownthepathhadbeensweptoutofexistence.ThefirstknowledgeIhadwaswhenIsteppedonaloosestoneandfoundmyselfslidingdown,asIthought,to certain death. I foundmyself lying on a narrow ledge of chalk, and, notdaringtomove,I laythere,waitingfor thelight.Isawtwocarscomealongthe road:onewent to thecottage,whichwasquitevisible fromwhere I lay,andtheotherdidn'tseemtopassmuchfartherthantheendofthesearoad.IshoutedinthehopethatIwouldbeheard,butthewindmusthavecarriedmyvoice away.You can't imagine howdesolate I feltwhen I saw the two carsdisappear and I was left alone. I was terrified. I think I must have gothysterical,forIimaginedthestrangestthingshappening."Sheshudderedasatanunpleasantmemory.

"Didyouseeanybody?"

"No,nobody."

"Notrampsoranything?"

"No.Ilayquiettill,twoorthreehourslater,acarappeared—Isupposeitwasyours—andstoppedatthedoor.AndthenIgrewdesperate,andtriedtocrawlinchbyinchacrossthefaceoftheslope.AndofcourseIfailed.Iwentdown,down...oh,itwasdreadful!Andyetitwasn'tsoterribleafterall,forIlandedatthebottomwithouthurtandwithinafewyardsofthehouse.Idon'tknowhowIwalkedtothedoor."

Soopertookthetelegramfromherhandandreaditagain."Iwantyoutobewitnesstoaveryimportantmatter:"heread,andscratchedhischin.

"WhereisMissShaw?"sheaskedagain.ShereadtheanswerinSooper'seyesand shrank back, white-faced. "Not...not dead?" He nodded. "Naturally?Or...oh,no!"

"Shewasshot—there."Hejerkedhisheadtowardsthekitchen."Nowlisten,MissLeigh;youaregoingtobeanimportantwitness,becauseyoulayinsightofthecottageallnight.Noothercarscamebutthoseyouhavedescribed?"

"None—I'msureofthat."

"Did you see anybody walking along the road on foot—did you see MissShawreturn?"

"No.Iwouldnotinanycircumstances.Itwasverydarkindeed.Ionlysawthecarsbecauseoftheirlights—Ishouldnothaveseenorheardthemotherwise."

Sooperwasdisappointed."Everythingdependsnowonthatcommissioner:ifhekeepsmeonthejob,Icanseedaylight.Butifhesendsanyofthemlong-nosedthe'rists,justiceisgoin'togetajolt.I'vegotthelocalsinthehollerofmyhand...It'stheseanthr'pologistsI'mscaredof."

Jimknew that the decision as towhetherScotlandYard should be called inwas largely determined by thewishes of the local authorities.Except in theareaofLondon,ScotlandYardhasnoofficialposition.Localauthoritiesmay,andgenerallydo,askthehelpoftheYardwhentheyconsiderthattheyhaveacasetoobigtodealwith.OutsideofLondonthelocalpolicemakearrestsevenwhenacriminalis"wanted"foranoffenceintheMetropolis.

Elfasatshockedtospeechlessnessbythenews.HannahShawdead!Shecouldhardlybelieveitpossible.

"AssoonasyourclothesaredryI'llgetMr.Ferrabytotakeyoubacktotown,"saidSooper."Isupposethere'snothingmoreyoucantellus?"

"Nothing,"shesaidnumbly."Howterrible,howterrible!"

"Youusethetypewriter,don'tyou?Didyoutypethis?"

Heshowedhertheenvelope.

"No, that isnotmywork,"shesaid."Itwasn'teven typedonmymachine. IbelieveMissShawhadanoldmachineofherown that sheused—in fact, Iknow, because she once asked me to recommend her a good book ontypewriting."

Itwasbroaddaylightnow,andthoughtheskiesweregrey,therainhadceasedtofall.Leavingthegirltodryherclothes,thetwomenwalkedoutofthefrontdoor,andSooperscrutinizedthecliffwithinterest.

"JustasLattimersays,thefaceofthecliffishoneycombed."Hepointedtothehundreds of little black gaps that showed in the white chalk. "If anybody'sthere,It'sgain'tobedifficulttofindthem,"hesaid."Atthesametime,logican'deductiontellsmeit'sjustashardforafellowwholivestheretogetthere.I don't think it's goin' to be possible or practicable tomake a search of anyexceptthelowercaves,andI'llhavethepoliceworkin'onthattoday."

As he turned his head to look up the road, Jim's car, with Lattimer at thewheel, swung into view. Lattimer pulled up themachine near his chief andjumpedout."Ionlyfoundonethingofanyimportance,"hesaid,"andthisisit."

Hetookoutofhiscoatpocketasmallchamoisleatherbag,alittlebiggerthanapostagestamp,whichwasattachedtoathingoldchain."Thiswasroundherneck,"hesaid,asheputthefindintohischief'shand.

Sooperpulledopentheneckofthebagandshookoutontohispalmabrightgoldring.

"Lookstomelikeaweddingring,"hesaid."Nomarriagecertificate?"

Lattimershookhishead.

"Nothing,sir.Infact,wedidnotfindadocumentofanydescription."

Sooper looked at the glistening object on his palm. "Awedding ring, and anewweddingring,"hesaidthoughtfully."Thequestionis,didsheeverwearit?Itlooksasifshedidn't.Themanwhoputthisonknowsconsiderablymoreaboutthismurderthanleshalleverlearn."

Theywalked leisurely by the side of the house towards the beach.The tidewascomingin.

"It'saprettylonelyspot,"admittedSooper,"andIthinkI'lltakebackallIsaidaboutthisbein'theplaceI'dliketoretireto."

Farouttoseawasthetrailingsmokeofasteamer.Nearerathand,afleetof

red-sailed fishing boats were making for Pawsey Harbour. Behind thebungalow was a patch of garden, but the fence which surrounded it wasbrokenand the littlegatehungcrazily.Weedsgrew in rankprofusionwhereMr.Cardewhadfoughtalosingbattleagainstwindandspindrift.

"Atthesametime,"Soopersaid,"It'snotabadplaceforafellerwholikesseabathin'."

Theyploughedthroughthesandtothegate.Herethesandwasfirmer."Notabad place for a bit of sea bathin' for those who like it," murmured Sooperagain,andsaidnothingmore.

Jimsawthelookofbewildermentwhichcametotheoldman'sface,sawhisjawdrop."Sufferingsnakes!"saidSooper.

Hewas lookingdownat a footprint, half obliteratedby the rain, but all toodistinct.Itwastheprintofahuge,nakedfoot,someeighteeninchesinlength,andbroadinproportion.

"ChristopherColumbus!"muttered Sooper, staring fascinated.He turned hiseyes towards the sea, and slowly walked in that direction. The prints wereclearerastheyreachedthehardsand,andtheywentinonedirection,towardsthehouse.

BigFoot!

Thosewordsmeantsomething,afterall!Notuntiltheycametothesea'sedgedid they stop, though the prints persisted, and they saw them again in ashallowpool, latelymadeby the incoming tide.Sooper lookedat Jim. "Gotanythe'riesordeductions?"

"I'lladmitIhaven't,"confessedJim.

"That's toobad,because Ihaven't either,notat theminute.MercifulMoses!butthishasgotmeproperlytemp'ramental!"

HesentLattimerintothetowntogetsomeplasterofparis,andtheyspentanhourmakingmouldsofthemoredistinctofthefootprints.

And all the time, from themouth of one of the inaccessible cavernswhichpitted the sheer cliffs like a disease, a brown faced, bearded man lay fulllengthonthefloor,watchingthemoutofbrighteyesthatsparkledwithfoolishlaughter.

Andashewatched,hesangsoftlytohimselfthetaleofAlhama.

XI. THESEALEDENVELOPE

Though Jim Ferrabywas half dead forwant of sleep, hewas compelled tolistentothemanwhosatbyhissideashedrovethecartowardsPawsey.ForSooperwasbrighterandmoregarrulous thanJimever rememberedhim.Hemighthaverisenfromalongandrefreshingsleep,hewassoveryalert.

"It takes years to make a good pukka detective. Take Lattimer now: you'dthinkheknewthegamethor'ly.Butdoeshe?No,sir.Hedidn'tfindthatwash-leatherbagwiththeringinit.An'yethemusthaveseenitbecauseheknockeditonthefloorwhenthesearchwasgoin'on,an'theringwouldn'thavebeenfoundatallonlyoneofthelocalsrememberedtakin'thechainoffan'searchedaround for it.There's toomuchdeductionabout theseyoungofficersan'notenoughlook—see.Tired?"

"Damnably,"repliedJim.

"Trytothinkyou'reenjoyin'yourself,"saidSooper."Fancyyou'redancin'withthegirlofyourheart—sentherbacktoLondonbythefirsttrain."

"Who?" asked Jim, startled. "YoumeanMiss Leigh...what do youmean by'girlofyourheart',Sooper?"

"I'mnaturallydisconnectedinconversation,"saidSoopergently."IfI'vemadetheforkspassIapologize."

"Forks—oh, you mean faux pas?" smiled Jim. "Your French is horrible,Sooper."

"It'snothin'tomyEnglish,"saidSooper,andsighed.

"Poorsoul!shewasalwaysthrowin'thatupintomyfacethatIwasshortonclass.An'nowshe'sdeadan'I'malive.Whichshowsthateducation'snothin'butanillusion.Isthatpsychology?"

"Sortof,"saidTim.

"Maybe it's anth'ropology," suggestedSooper. "Thisplace is certainlygettin'morean'morelikeanamusementparkeverytimeIseeit!An'tothinkthatitwas once an honest—to Peter fishin' hole that didn't know the differencebetweenacabarayan'aconsommy!"

Pawseyinthebrightsunlight,withitsgildeddomesanditsmagnificentstuccofronts,wasalmostimpressive.Itswidepromenadewasalreadycrowdedwithholiday-makers,itsyellowbeachspeckledwithloungers.

The car drew up before the Grand Hotel, and a resplendent porter fussedforwardandassistedthemtoalight.Mr.Cardewhadhadthegoodfortunetofind avacant suite facing the sea, andhewas inbed,butverywide awake,whenthetwomencamein.

"Is there any news?" he asked, almost before the door closed behind them."PoorHannahisdead?"

Soopertoldhimoftheweddingringthathadbeenfound,andMr.Cardewsatboltuprightinbed.

"Married? Hannah married? Impossible!" he said vigorously. "I don't carewhatinformationyouhave,orwhatyouhavediscovered:HannahShawisnotmarried!"

"Whyareyousocertain,Mr.Cardew?"

ThepalefaceofGordonCardewwaspuckeredinthought,anditwasalittletime before he answered, and then in a less agitated tone. "I have acted asHannah's lawyer formany years," he said. "She had no secret that I do notknow.Shemighthavefeltsomeaffectionfora—acertainperson,andIhavebeen contemplating the possibility of her marrying for some time; but shecouldnotgetmarriedwithoutmyconsent!"

EvenSooperwasdumbfounded.

"Butwhy?"heasked,andCardew'sexplanationwasasimpleone.Whenhiswifedied,shehadleftHannahShawanannuity—averyconsiderablesum—onconditionthatshedidnotmarrywithoutherhusband'sconsent.

"My poor wife could not bear the idea of my being left alone withoutsomebodytolookafterme,"saidCardew."Thatwastheobjectofthelegacy,theconditionsbeing that she remained inmyemploy,and,as I say, thatshedidnotmarry."

"Howmuchwastheannuity?"

"Abouttwohundredpoundsayear,aconsiderablesumtoHannah.Withoneexception,"hewenton,afterasecond'shesitation,"HannahShawtoldmeallher secrets, the exception being that, about three years ago, she gaveme alarge sealed envelope,which she askedme to keep for her. I very naturallyaskedwhatthesedocumentswerethatshehadgiventomeforsafekeeping,butheresheresolutelyrefusedtosupplyinformation.NaturallyIdidnotpressher, because her history had been a very unhappy one.We took her from acharity institute, and there was somemystery about her parentage, which Ihaveneverbeencuriousenoughtoinvestigateorattempttoinvestigate.She,ontheotherhand,neverceasedtomakeinquiries,andIhaveanideathattheenvelopecontainedtheresultsofhersearch."

Soopernodded.

"Thatcertainly ishighlymysterious,"hesaid,"andofcourse I shallhave togetthatenvelope.Whereisitkept?"

"Inmy rooms inKing'sBenchWalk," saidCardew. "Ifyoucare to senduptoday,youwillfinditinasmallblackjapannedbox,marked'H.S.'Itisoneofthe very few deed boxes that remain in my office. There are certain otherpaperswhichinclude,ifIrememberaright,acopyoftheclauseinmywife'swill,thecorrespondencewehadwiththemanageroftheorphanage,herbirthcertificateandsimilardocuments,moreorlessunimportant."

He reached out and pulled his clothes from a chair, and handed thesuperintendentabunchofkeys."Hereare thekeysof theoffice."And then,"Youhavemadenofreshdiscoveries?"

"None," said Sooper. "How she came back and got in, with Lattimerpractically sitting on the doorstep, is certainly one of the most remarkablepiecesofconjurythathaseverbeenknowninamurdercase."

"Lattimerwasthereallthetime?"askedCardewquickly.

"Allthetime,sir,"saidSooperemphatically.

Mr.Cardewfingeredhisunshavenchin."Ihavemyowntheories,butIwouldliketotestthembeforeIputthemtowork,"hesaid.

HesawSooper'slipscurl,and,inspiteofhisdistress,smiledwanly."Youarenotagreatbelieverintheories?YetIwillswearthatmytheoryastohowthemurdererescapedfromthekitchenisaccurate."

"Let'shearit,"saidSooper,alittlecoldly.

"Thetwowentintothekitchen—poorHannahandthemurderer.Eitherheorsheturnedthekey.Themurderwascommitted,andshefellagainstthedoor.Themanhadn'tthenervetomovethebody,anddecidedtoescapebywayoftheservery.Thekeyinthelockmusthavegivenhimthatsuggestion.Oncehewasinthedining-room,itwasasimplemattertopulltheshutterclose,andasitisaspringlock..."

Sooper smacked his knee. "That's it, that's just it!" he agreed with somereluctance."That'scertainlyawonderfulpieceofthe'rizin',andIwouldn'tbesurprised if you're nearly right. But how did he get in and get out withoutLattimerseein'him?"

"Thereisabackdoor—"beganCardew.

"Boltedandlockedontheinside,"repliedSooperpromptly."Allthewindowsareshutteredandtheshuttersarecoveredwithbars,andnobodygotinoroutthatway.Ifthemurdererescapedbythebackdoor,howdidheboltthedoorbehindhim?No,Mr.Cardew,that'snosolution."

Cardewnoddedslowly."Iagree,"hesaid,"andI'lladmitthatthatwasn'tmyideaatall.PerhapssomedayIwilloutlineahypothesisthatwillbeacceptable

eventoyou,Superintendent."

On thewaydown the stairs,Sooper said: "Hypothesis' is anewoneonme.Whenthesefellersstarttalkin'LatinI'msunk!Buthe'ssurelyrightabouttheway themurderer escaped from thekitchen, and I'mdisappointed. I thoughthe'd the'rize a secret panel in thewall, or a subterranean passage under thefloor;oroneofthemcleverlyconcealeddoorwaysthatlookslikeabookshelf,andyou'veonlygottotouchaspring,ormaybetwosprings,anditturnsroundorstandsuporturnsin,asthecasemaybe,andthere'salongflightofstairswithanearthysmell."

"Sooper,Ibelieveyou'vebeenreadingpopularliterature,"laughedJim.

"Ireadeverythingexceptthefinancecolumns,andI'dreadthem,onlythey'resofulloffiggers."

Forsomeextraordinaryreason,JimnolongerfelttiredwhenhetookhisplaceatthewheelandguidedthecarthroughthecrowdedstreetsofPawseyintotheopencountry.And ifhewere tired,Sooperwouldhavekepthimawake, fortheoldmanwasunusuallytalkativeanddevotedthefirsttwentyfivemilesofthe journey to London to a discourse dealing with the advantages anddisadvantagesofpopulareducation.

"WhenI joinedtheforce,readin'an'writin'an' figgerin'wereall thatachapneeded.Ifyoupinchedmoreburglarsandtea-leaves[Londonthieves'argotfortheir own profession,—EW] than any other detective officer, you gotpromoted, even though you mightn't know the least thing about thedifferentious—what'stheword?Somethingaboutcalculation—"

"Differentialcalculus,"suggestedJim.

"That'sthefeller.No,youdidn'tneedtoknowanythin'aboutbot'ny,orwhateverdepartmentthatdiff'rentialthingbelongsto,orzoologyorpsychologyornothin'.Theonlythingyouhadtodowastokeepyoureyesskinnedandcatchthe lad in the act. If you pinched a feller that was bigger than you and hestartedsomethin'rough,youwereexpectedtoknowsomethin'aboutanat'my,suchastheproperplacetohithimwithyourstick.Butthatwaspracticallyallthe science therewas in the old days. I never used amicroscope except toexamine my pay. And test-chubes and things like that, which the swelldetectivesusetofindoutwhetherthestainonthecuffwasbloodorbeer,wereneverseeninanypolicestationthatI'vefrequented.Lookseeandcatch-holdwas the shining motto of the police force. I'm not disparaging education.Personally,I'dliketospeaksixlanguagesandbeabletoconversegracefulinSwahili.ButI'vegotonprettywellwithouttheseaccomplishments.I'mgoinguptoCardew'sofficetotakealookatthatenvelopeofHannahShaw's:maybeyou'llcomealongwithme?"

TheworshipperswerestreamingoutofTempleChurchwhenthemud-stainedcarstoppedbeforeCardew'schambers.

Jim,whoknewtheplace,ledthewayupthestairstothebigoakouterdoor,IntheTempleeverysetofchambershasadoubledoor: the"oak"which,whenclosed,meansthattheinmatedoesnotwishtobedisturbed,andwhichstandsopen in his office hours; and the inner door, which, open or closed, is aninvitation toenter.The"oak"wasunfastened; thedetectivewasslipping thebigkeyintothekeyholewhenhefeltthedooryieldingtohispressure.

"It'snotlocked,"hesaid,andwalkedin.

Theywereinanarrowpassage,adoorontherightleading,asJimknew,intoElfa Leigh's office. This door was closed, but that which opened into Mr.Cardew'ssanctumwaswideopen.

Sooperstoodinthedoorway,silentlysurveyingtheroomforaminute.Then:"Looksasifwe'vecomeratherlate,"hedrawled.

The fewdeedboxes that theofficecontained layon the floor, theircontentsscattered in all directions. Cardew's roll-top desk was wide open and itssurfacelitteredwithpapers.

"Certainlylooksasifsomeone'sbeenherebeforeus,"saidSooperagain.

Heturnedtheopenboxesoveronebyone.

"Here'sthe'H.S.',"hesaid,"andit'sempty."

XII. LATTIMER'SUNCLE

He looked roundslowlyuntilhiseyes restedon thegrate. Itwas filledwithblackenedashes,whichmusthavebeencarefullystirredsothatthelastvestigeofwritingwasdestroyed.

The drawers of the desk had been pulled out and thrown on the floor, andwhen a systematic search of the papers was concluded, no trace of anyenvelope,or,indeed,ofanydocumentaffectingHannah,wasdiscoverable.

Sooperpickeduptheblackboxmarked"H.S."andputitonatable,drawingtableandboxtothelightofthewindow.

"Nodamagehere,"hesaid."Itwasopenedwithakey."

Heputdowntheboxand,crossingtothefireplace,kneltdownandbegantoliftouttheashesdelicately.Hewastenminutesathistaskbeforeheroseanddusted his knees, and then he began to look round the floor. Presently he

stoopedandpickedupascarletmatch-stalk,whichheexaminedcuriously.

"I ought to be able to say right off who made this match, and how manypeopleinLondonusethebrand.AllIcansayisthatitwasstrucktolightthepaperinthegrateandnotforpurposesofillum'nation."

Hescrutinizedthewindows,pulledgingerlyatablindanddrewitdown.Ashedidso,apieceofpaperthathadbeencaughtupontherollerflutteredtothefloor.He stooped and picked it up. Itwas a tradesman's receipt for a smallsum.

"Blownagainsttheblindonawindyday,"saidSooper,"justastheblindsashhadbeenreleased.Ain'tnaturewonderful?Andthat'sdeduction.We'llhavetonotify the City Police about this, and I'll go down tonight to see old manCardew,andbreakittohimgently,andifIknowanythingabouthim,he'llbealmost as much upset by the burglary as he was by the murder. That's theworstofbeingalawyer:itbreaksyourhearttolosepapers."

JimaccompaniedhimtotheCityPoliceoffice,andatlast,gladtobereleased,hewentbacktohishome,and,withouttroublingtoundress,laydownonhisbedandfellinstantlytosleep.

Itwaspastsunsetwhenheawoke,andhisfirstthoughtwasofElfaLeigh.Hedid not risk telephoning, but, finding a taxi, drove toCubitt Street, and, bygreatgoodfortune,metheronthedoorstepcomingout.

"HaveyouseenMr.Minter?"washer firstquestion. "He left a fewminutesago."

"Doesn't thatmanever sleep?" asked Jim in amazement.And then: "Didhetellyouabouttheburglaryattheoffice?"

She nodded. "He came for that purpose this afternoon," she said, as shewalkedbyhisside."Apparentlytheburglarsdidn'tgointomyofficeatall,forthedoorwaslocked.DoyouknowaboutBigFoot?"sheaskedsuddenly.

JimwonderedwhySooper had told her of this discovery—he had carefullykeptthealarmingintelligencefromMr.Cardew.

"HewantedtoknowwhetherIhadeverheardthenameused,"shewenton,unconsciously answering his unspoken question, "and of course I had not.Whatistheassociation,Mr.Ferraby?"Hetoldher."No,IhaveneverheardofBigFoot.Itisallveryterribleandmysterious.Ican'tbelievethatIt'struethatMissShawisdead:itistoohorribletothinkabout."

Shewaswalking towardsHolborn, and Jimwas speculating as towhat hadbroughtheroutatthathouroftheevening,unlessshewasonherwaytothepark.ShestoppedatthecornerofKingsway.

"AndnowI'mgoing tounravela littlemysteryofmyown,"shesaidwithafaint smile, "and it is so very unimportant that I wouldn't dare to ask yourassistance,althoughitismysterious."

"Thesmaller themystery, themoreusefulIshallbe,"saidJimeagerly,"andtheonlyreasonIsuggestyoushouldgo,whereveryou'regoing,bytaxi,isapurelyselfishone:Icansmoke."

"Youcansmokeontopofabus,"shesaid,ashecalledacab."Taxisarebadhabits." Nevertheless, she made no other protest, and gave an address inEdwardsSquare.

"Iamgoingtoseemytenant,"sheexplained."Thatsoundsverygrand,doesn'tit?Whendaddydied,heleftmethehousewehadbeenlivingin.It'saverysmallproperty,butmuch too large forme. Ihaveput it out to rent, and theincome,smallas it is, isveryacceptable. I'mnotafraidof losingmytenant,becausehousepropertyisatapremium;butthepoorlittlemanisgettingmoreandmorenervousabouttheeggs,andI'mafraidifsomethingisn'tdonehewillfindanotherhouse."

"Theeggs?"saidthepuzzledJim.

Shenoddedsolemnly.

"Eggs;sometimespotatoes;occasionallyafewcabbages.Buteggsconstitutethe principal mystery, because they come more frequently. Mr. Lattimertreateditasajoke,ofcourse—"

"Lattimer?"interruptedJim."Isheanyrelationtothegallantsergeant?"

"Hisuncle.Ionlydiscoveredtoday,whenSergeantLattimerwasbringingmeup to town, that Mr. Bolderwood Lattimer is a very well-to-do provisionmerchantandabachelor.Idon'tthinkthatthesergeantandheareonspeakingterms;atanyrate,they'renotveryfriendly,becauseSergeantLattimersaidhehadneverbeentoEdwardsSquare,andthathisuncledisapprovedofhisbeingin thepolice;he thoughthewas lowering the familystandard."She laughedsoftly.

"Butpleasetellmeabouttheeggs."

"Andthepotatoes!"sheadded."ThewholethingissoabsurdthatIthoughtitwasa jokewhen Iheardabout it first.Ever sinceMr.BolderwoodLattimerhas been living at I78 Edwards Square, these extraordinary gifts have beenarriving.Usuallytheyarefoundonhisdoorstepintheearlymorning,and,asIsay,thedonationsrangefromeggstocarrots!Sometimestherewillbeadozenpotatoes,wrappedinadirtyoldpieceofnewspaper,butinvariablyduringthesummermonthsthesegiftsareaccompaniedbyflowers.Mr.Lattimer'sservantopened thedooronFridaymorningand found the topofa lilac tree,witha

dozensticksofasparagus!Ithaslastedtoolongtobeapracticaljoke,anditseemstobegettingonmytenant'snerves.I'mrathergladyoucame,becauseyoumayfindsomesolution."

EdwardsSquare isasecludedandjealouslypreservedatomof lateGeorgianLondon:aplaceofsmallhouses,ofgreenforecourts.Herethelaburnumdropsitsgoldentasselstothesidewalk,andwindow-boxesblazewithflowers.

Mr.BolderwoodLattimersaw thecabstopandcamedown the littlepath tomeetthem.Hewasshortandstoutandbald.Hehadtheausterecountenanceand the rubicund complexion of one (as Jim mentally decided) who mightconceivablybeachurchwardenwithatasteforport.

"Come in, Miss Leigh," he said, and graciously inclined his head inacknowledgment of Jim's presence. "You got my note? I am sorry to havebotheredyou,butreally,thisthingisbecominganintolerablenuisance."

He led the way to a mid-Victorian drawing-room, an apartment in whichflower-bordered carpets seemed strangely in harmony with stiff, horsehair-coveredfurniture.

"Thetruthis,"hesaid,"thatIwasalmost inclinedtocomplaintothepolice.Hitherto,Ihaveregardedtheseextraordinarymarksofattentioninthenatureofapracticaljoke,orpossiblyanattemptonthepartofsomepoorcreatureIhavehelpedtorewardme,inhishumbleway,formycharity."

Hewaspompousandoracular;hadatrickofpointinghisargumentswiththeendofhispince-nez.

"Ihavenowreachedtheconclusion,andI thinkthat thereis justificationformyview,thatthealmostweeklyappearanceofthesearticlesisnothingmoreorlessthantheactofsomeill-balancedvulgarian,toremindmethatIam,infact,atradesman.Asuccessfulmanmakesenemies,"hewenton."Therearecertain people, whose names I would not wish to mention, who bitterlyresented my election to the Town Council of the Royal Borough ofKensington:members,Iregrettosay,ofmyownchurch.Idonotprofesstobeengaged in any other profession than that of commerce. These insults are,therefore,alittlesuperfluous."

"Whattimearethesethingsusuallyleftonyourdoorstep?"askedJim,afterhehadbeenintroduced.

"Betweenmidnightandthreeo'clockin themorning,"wasthereply."Ihavesatupseveralnights in thehopeofcatching thescoundrel in theact,andofdemanding an explanation, failing which I should, of course, send for thenearest policemanandgivehim in charge.But so farmy—um—vigils havebeenunrewarded."

"Itseemsafairly innocentsortofoffence,Mr.Lattimer,"smiledJim."Afterall,youhavetheadvantageofreceivingmarketablecommodities!"

"Supposetheywerepoisoned?"askedMr.BolderwoodLattimericily."Ihavesentseveralofthearticlestothepublicanalyst,andthoughIadmitnotraceofanydeadlydrughasbeendiscovered,yetwhatismorelikelythanthatthefirstseriesofso-calledgiftsshouldbefreefromdanger, inorderthatIshouldbeluredon—"

"Thatseemstometobefairlyunlikelyalso,"saidJim."Haveyouspokentothepolice?"

"Ihavespokentotwoofficerswhoareonnightduty,andhaveenlistedtheirhelp to capture themanwho is annoyingme, but I have not addressed anyofficialcomplainttotheofficerincharge."

"Youmightdoworsethandiscussthematterwithyournephew.IunderstandSergeantLattimerisarelationofyours,Mr.Lattimer?"

Alookofpainpassedovertheprovisionmerchant'sface.

"JohnLattimerandIarenotexactlyfriends,"hesaid;"infact,wearescarcelyacquainted.InhisearlyyouthhedeclinedaveryexcellentofferImadehimtoentermycounting-house—inahumblecapacity,tobesure,butthen,onemustworkupwardsfromtheverybottom.ThatisanAmericanmethod—oneofthefewAmericanmethodsofwhichIapprove.Andherefused,sir.Formydearbrother'ssakeIendeavouredtopersuadehim,butno,thatkindoflifehadnointerestforJohn.Andtoemphasizehisingratitude,hetooktheextraordinarystepofjoiningthepoliceforce.Anadmirablebodyofmen,"headdedhastily,"withoutwhoseguardianshipweshouldbeinaverybadway.Butnotexactlytheprofessiononewouldhaveexpectedmybrother'ssontoadopt."

"It'saveryhonourableprofession,"saidJim.

Mr. Lattimer shrugged his shoulders. "One hears extraordinary stories," hesaidvaguely,"andonescarcelyknowswhattobelieve...thepayofasergeantofpoliceisnotsufficientlylarge,itseemstome,toenablehimtodineatthemostexpensiverestaurants.Andyet,lessthanaweekago,IsawJohnwithmyowneyesattheRitz-Carlton,entertaining,andmostexpensivelyentertaining,apartyoffourmen,oneofwhom,Iunderstand,wasamillionaire!Remember,Imakenocharge,"hesaid,shakinghisfingerinthefaceofthedumbfoundedJim. "Imerely say that one hears things. And although I'm sure our policeforce is incorruptible...well, dinners at the Ritz-Carlton cost a considerablesumofmoney!"

ForamomentJimwastooastonishedtofindarejoinder.Lattimer!Thatquiet,courteousandwell-behavedman!AndyetitwasimpossiblethatBolderwood

couldmistakehisnephewforanybodyelse.

"No,IdonotthinkIshallconsultJohn.IwishedtoseeMissLeigh,becauseIthoughtthatpossiblyshemighthavebeenabletothrowsomelightuponthesubject.Sheoccupiedthishouseformanyyears...."

Helookedinquiringlyatthegirl,butsheshookherhead.

"Weneverhadanythinglikethathappen,Mr.Lattimer,"shesaid,"andIcanonlysuggestthatyoureportthemattertothepolice."

"Itworriesme,"saidBolderwoodLattimer,whowasoneofthosepeopleloathtohandtheburdenofconversationtoanybodyelse,"itplaysonmynerves.Iamnaturallyan imaginativeman:youhaveprobably read someofourads.,everyoneofwhichispreparedbyme?"headded,withunconscioushumour."AndIcannothelpfeelingthatpossiblyIambeingtheobjectofavendetta.Eggs, potatoes, cabbages!Why on earth should they pick me out for theirinfernalcharity?"

"Dothesethingscomeinanygreatquantity?"askedJim.

Mr.BolderwoodLattimershookhishead."Therearegenerallyasmuchasaman could carry in his pocket—the lilac bushwas an unusual gift. I am anomnivorousreader,andIhavereadagreatdealaboutthemysteriouswarningswhicharesometimesgiventotheintendedvictimoftheseblack-handgangs.Do you think, Mr. Ferraby, from your wide experience, that these articlescomeintothatcategory?"

"It is unlikely," said Jim, keeping a straight face with an effort. "Take myadviceandconsultthepolice.Theywillprobablyrelieveyourannoyance."

Mr.Lattimerpursedhislipsthoughtfully."IamverycomfortablehereandIdonotwish to leave the place. In fact, asMissLeigh knows, I havemade herseveraloffers for thepurchaseof the freehold.But recently Ihave seriouslyconsideredwhetheritwouldnotbeadvisableformetomovemyresidence,toseewhetherIamstillpursuedbymytormentor."

"That seems a fairly cumbersomemethod ofmaking the discovery," smiledJim, "and rather likeburningdown thehouse to roast thepig.Nomessagescomewiththesegifts?"

"None what ever. The nearest approach to a clue, if I may use a policeexpression, that I've had, came with the lilac. There were some wordspencilled on the paper which surrounded the stalk, but they were perfectlymeaninglesstome."

"Haveyougotthepaper?"askedJim,withsuddeninterest.

"Iwillsee."

Mr.Lattimerdisappeared,anddidnotcomebackforsometime.

"Doyoureallythinkit'ssomebodyplayingajokeonhim?"

"Itratherlookslikeit.Andyetapparentlythisthinghasgoneonforyearsatoddintervals.Thepaperwilltellussomething,perhaps."

WhenMr.Lattimerreturned,itwastotellthemthatthe'clue'hadbeenusedtolight the kitchen fire. "I don't think that the words would have told youanything," he said. "They meant nothing what ever to me, and I shouldimaginethattheyhadeitherbeenwrittenwiththeideaofthrowingusoffthescent,orelsetheywereonthepaperwhenitwasusedtowrapuptheflowers,andhavenomeaningatall."

Thatpracticallyconcludedtheinterview,andJim'spreoccupiedsilenceduringthedrivebacktoBloomsburyhadnothingwhatever todowithMr.Lattimerand his unknown benefactor. "You're very quiet: do you really think there'sanything sinister about the wretched potatoes and eggs?" asked the girl, astheywerepassingthroughthepark.

Jim started. "The eggs?No, Iwasn't thinking about those.But that storyhetoldusaboutSergeantLattimerisverycurious."

"Whyshouldn'tthepoormandineattheRitz-Carlton?"

"FortheexcellentreasonthatpoormendonotdineattheRitz-Carlton,"saidJim quietly, "and police headquarters are suspicious of detectiveswho havemoneytoburn."

XIII. SOOPERINQUIRES

Sooperhadthegift,whichistheblessingofallgreatleaders,ofbeingabletosleepinoddplacesatoddintervals;andwhenheplussedthenapinthetrainonhiswaybacktohisstationwiththetwohours'sleephetookinhisofficechairheconsideredhimselftohaverestedadequately.

ThebellswereringingforeveningservicewhenhesummonedLattimer,andthat officer, a little hollow-eyed and undisguisedly wearied, heard thesummonswithagroan.

A tall, muscular man was quiet Lattimer. Impressionable young womendescribedhimas'distinguished,'andtheprematurelygreyhairathistemples,thesomewhatNapoleonicnoseandfirmchindeservedthisdescription.

Sooperlookedupsharplyoverhisspectaclesashissubordinatecamein.

"JustbeenhavingaphonetalkwithMr.Ferraby,"hesaid."Somebody'sbeenbombardingyourunclewithgardentruckandeggsan'lilac—betit'sthefirsttimeanybodythrewflowersathim,buttheeggsmustseemlikeol'friends."SoopersaidnothingaboutthedinnerattheRitz-Carlton.

"I hope some of them got on the target," said Lattimer viciously. "He's asanctimonious old gentleman, as mean as a duke and about as human as akitchenstove."

"Seems a nice feller," mused Sooper. And then, abruptly, as was his went:"Elson's back.Got toHill Brow at 5.53. Car coveredwithmud, one of hislampssmashedandbothforemudguardsallways."

Alongpause.

"ThoughtI'dgoupandseehim,"saidSooper,lookingoutofthewindow."IftheactiveandintelligentofficerIputuptowatchthehousehadhadthebrainofagnat,he'dhavepinchedhimforspeedin'ordrunkorsump'n'andpulledhimin. I like togeta fellerwell insidebeforeIstart investigatin'.That's theold-fashionedway; itdoesn'tappeal toyouyoungsters.Put thekeyon 'em!"Hesighedandrose."I'lljustleapuptoHillBrow:youhangontotheofficeforanymessagethatcomesthroughfromPawsey—I'minchargeofthatcase:heardfromthecommissionertwohoursago.Youmightbreakitgentlytothatpudd'n'-headedinspectorfromPawseythathe'snothin''n'lessthannothin'inthiscase."

Sooper'leaptup'toHillBrowonhisancientmachinewithathunderousleapthatfrightenedchildren,thatinterruptedservants,thatdistressedthesickandlame, forhismotor-cyclewasat itsworston theSabbath,whenmostof theworldnoisesarehushed.

He was surprised when the door was opened by Elson's valet and he wasinvitedin.

"Mr.Elsonisexpectingyou,"saidtheman."I'llshowyoutheway."

Theywentupthebroadoakenstairs,alongared-carpetedcorridortotheendroom. Itwas furnished as a sitting-room, and had the obvious advantage ofcombining a view across the countrywith amore immediate observationofthedrive,upwhichvisitorsmustcometoreachthehouse.Elsonlaysprawledonabigsettee;hewasunshaven,grimy;hisboots,Soopernoticed,werethickwithdriedmud,andhisunprepossessingappearancewasnotenhancedbythestripof sticking-plasterwhich ran from temple to jaw.AsSooper came intothe room, hewas holding a large glass, half filledwith amber fluid, and anopendecanterstoodonthetablewithinreachofhishand.

"Come in,Minter," he said shakily. "Iwanted to see you.What's this story

aboutHannahShawbeingkilled?IsawitintheSundaypapers—"

"IfitwasintheSundaypapersI'dliketoknowthefellerthatwroteit,"saidSoopercalmly."Wedidn'tdiscoverthemurdertilldaybreakthismorning."

"I saw it somewhere—maybe I heard of it," said Elson, and pointed atremblingfingertoachair."Sitdown,won'tyou?Haveadrink?"

"Teetotaller from birth," said Sooper, seating himselfwith the greatest care."Asitwasn'tintheSundaypapers,youmusthaveheardofit."

"Itwas in the later editionsof theSundaypapers: I saw it inLondon," saidElsondoggedly."What'stheidea?ThinkIknowanythingaboutit?"

There was a defiant note in his tone. Sooper shook his head gently. "LastpersonintheworldIshouldhavethoughtknewanythingaboutitwasyou,Mr.Elson,"hesaid."Didn'tevenknowHannahShaw,didyou?"

Elsonhesitated.

"I'veseenheratCardew'shouse,that'sall."

"Maybeshecameoverhereonceortwice?"saidSooperingratiatingly,almostapologetically."Housekeeperssortofrunroundwhentheygetshortofthings.I'llbetshe'sbeenoverhereonceortwice?"

"She'scomeoveronceortwice,"admittedElson."Howdidithappen?"

"Beenover to seeyouonceor twice,hasn't she?"persistedSooper. "Got anideaI'veseenhercomin'outthefrontdoor—perhapscomin'outofyourroom.Gotasortofmemoryofit."

Elson looked at him suspiciously. "She came over once to ask me"—hehesitatedagain—"aquestionabouther—aboutsomebusiness.That'stheonlytime she's been here.And if any of these damned servants say that she hasbeenoftener,they'relying!"

"Haven'ttalkedtotheservants,"saidSooperinashockedtone."Neverdiscussa gen'leman's business with his servants! She'd come over to talk business,wouldn'tshe?Whatkindofbusinesswouldthatbe?"

"Itwasherprivateaffair,"saidElsonshortly,andgulpeddowntheremainderofthewhiskyintheglass."Wherewasshekilled?"

"Wherewasshekilled?Why,downatPawsey.Shewenttospendaweek-endthere,and...shewaskilled."

"How?"

"I'vegotanideashewasshot,"saidSooper,screwinguphisfaceasthoughhewere making a tremendous effort to remember something that had been

casuallymentionedtohim."Yes,I'mprettysureshewasshot."

"Atthebungalow?"askedtheotherquickly.

"It was a kind of bungalow," admitted Sooper; "a sort of summer cottagebelongedtoMr.Cardew.Knowit?"

Themanlickedhisdrylips."Yes,Iknowit,"heansweredcurtly.Andthen,toSooper'ssurprise,heleapttohisfeetandshookaclenchedfistatthewindow."Hell!IfI'donlyknown...."

Hestoppedsuddenly,asthoughconsciousofthedetective'scuriouseyes.

"Yes, I'll bet if you'd only known it'd have been different," said Soopersympathetically."Ifyou'donlyknownwhat?"

"Nothing,"snappedElson."Lookatmyhand."Heheldouthishandanditwasshakinglikealeaf."Thishasgotme!...Shotlikeamaddog,that'swhat!"

Hestrodeupanddowntheapartment,hishandsclaspingandunclaspinginhisagonyofmind.

"IfI'dknown!"hesaidhuskily.

"Wherewereyoulastnight?"Sooperputthequestionwithoutviolence.

"Me?"Themanspunround."Idon'tknow.Iwasdrunk,Iguess.SometimesIgetthatway.Isleptsomeplace—Oxford,wasit?Lotofstudentsincapsandgownswanderingaboutthestreets.Yes,IguessitwasOxford."

"WhydidyougotoOxford?"

"Idon'tknow...justwent...hadtogosomewhere.God!howIhatethiscountry!I'dgivethathandandthathand"—heshookthembothbeforeSooper—"andthreepartsofmymoneytogobacktoSt.Paul!"

"Whydon'tyougo?"drawledSooper.

Themanglowereddownathim."BecauseIdon'tchoose,"hesaidharshly.

Sooper fingered his bristling grey moustache. "What hotel might you havestayedinatOxford?"hesuggested.

Elsonstoodsquarelybeforehim."What'sthegreatidea?"heasked."ThinkIknow anything about this shooting of Hannah Shaw? I tell you I was atOxford,ormaybeatCambridge.Ilostthewayandwenttoabigheathwherethere'saracetrack—Marketsomething."

"Newmarket,"Soopernodded."YouwereatCambridge."

"CallitCambridge—whatdoesitmatter?"

"You'dstayataprettybighotel,andgiveyourownname,Mr.Elson,wouldn't

you?"

"Imayhavedone;Idon'tremember.Howwasshekilled—tellmethat?Whofoundher?"

"I found her, andMr.Cardew found her, and SergeantLattimer found her,"saidSooperandsawthemanwince.

"Wasshedeadwhen...?"

Sooper nodded. Again Elson resumed his restless pacing. After a while hegrewcalmer. "I knownothing about it," he said. "I've certainlymetHannahShaw:shecameheretoaskmeaquestionwhichIansweredtothebestofmyability.Amanwantedtomarryher,orshewantedtomarryaman.Idon'tevenknowwhohewas,butIbelievetheygotacquaintedononeofhercartrips."

"Isthatso?"Sooperreceivedthenewswitheveryevidenceofpoliteinterest."Ononeofhercar trips,eh?Now, isn't that toocurious?I'vebeendeductin'andthe'rizin'overthiscase,andthatwasjusttheconclusionIcameto,thatshemethimononeofhercartrips."

"Thenyouknowaboutit?"askedtheotherquickly.

"Ionlyknowa littlebit; justasoopsong.That'sa foreignexpression,whichmaybeyou'veheard,Mr.Elson."Heslappedhisknee,apreliminarysignaltohisrising."Well,Iwon'tbekeepingyoumuchlonger.Alovelygardenyou'vegot,almostasgoodasMr.Cardew's."

Gladtobeoffasubjectwhichwasuncomfortabletohim,Elsoncrossedtothewindow.

"Yes,it'sprettygood,"hesaid,"Butpeoplecomeupfromthetownandstealthings.Someonetookthetopofthatlilacbushtheothernight—justcutitrightoff."Hepointed,butSooperdidnotlook.Hewasthinkingveryintensively.

"Topofthelilacbush,eh?"hemurmured."That'scertainlyqueer."

Afterthepoliceofficerhadleft,Elsonwentintohisroom,changedhismud-stainedclothesandindulgedintheluxuryofahotbathandashave.Heateameagremeal—hewasusuallyaheartyeater—andspent the lasthourof thedecliningdaywanderingaimlesslyaboutthegrounds,hishandsinhispockets,his chinonhis chest.Atexactlyhalf-pastninehewalkeddown thegardenslope,throughanextensiverosary,andcameatlasttoasmalldoorsetinthehighwallwhich surrounded thegarden.Herehewaited, listening.Presentlytherecameagentleknock,andhepulledbackthewell-oiledboltandswungthegreendooropen.SergeantLattimerwalked in, and,waiting till thedoorwas rebolted,askedsharply: "What in thunderhaveyoubeen tellingSooperaboutthatlilacbush?".

"Aw!shutup!"growledElson."Comeupandhaveadrink.Theservantswon'tseeyoufromthispartofthehouse."

XIV. THEORIESANDDEDUCTIONS

AtanabnormallyearlyhourtheDeputyCommissionerofPolicemadeacallattheBureauofthePublicProsecutor,anditwasJim'sgoodfortunetobetheseniorofficeronduty,forhischiefwasnursinganattackofhayfever,andthesub-chiefwasattheHerefordAssizes,assistingjusticeinthecaseofawife-poisonerwhosetrialwasproceeding.

Soopernever spokeofColonelLangley inanyotherway thanas 'that long-nosedDeputy', sometimeswith and occasionallywithout violent expletives.TheDeputyseldomreferred toSoopersave in termsofadmirationandawe;forthefeudwhich(accordingtoSooper)ragedbetweenhimandheadquarterswaslargelyimaginary.

"Sooper's the luckiest devil on our business," said Langley enviously. "Hetumblesintocasesaseasilyasaflyfallsintomilk.Andwhenhebeggedtobesentto'I'divisionIthoughthewasinhisdotage."

"Sooper always gives me the impression that he was exiled to 'I'," Jimremarked.

"Sooper is a liar," was the calm response. "Nobody dare exile Sooper: lifewouldn'tbeworthliving.Wewerejollygladtoseethebackoftheoldhound.LivingwithSooperisratherlikelivinginaSeidlitzpowder.Butthat'shispose—beingexiledandshelved.Heaskedtogo,andtookLattimerwithhim,anditwaslikehislucktofallintothiscase."

Itwas no part of JimFerraby's duty to take theDeputy into his confidenceaboutLattimer.Hehad toldSooper,and thatwasenough.Buthewouldnothave been human if he had not asked a question about the sergeant'santecedents.

"I knowvery little about him—hewent to a good school and is respectablyconnected."Lattimer,however,didnot interesthim,andhecamestraight totheobjectofhisvisit."SoopertellsmethatyouwereatPawseysoonafterthatmurderwascommitted?Wehadaconferenceat theYardlastevening,andIown that we're puzzled," he said. "And the big footprints are not the leastmystifyingfeatureofthecase,fortheyonlyleadtowardsthecottage—Sooperhadphotographstakenandtheproofsarrivedlatelastnight.Herearethefacts,whichIshouldbegladifyouwouldcheck."Heemphasizedeachpointwitha

forefingeronthepalmofhishand.

"BeachHouse,whenyouarrivedbeforemidnightonSaturday,wasclosedandlocked.Lattimerhadbeenonthespotforsomehours,andhealsohadmadeanexaminationofthehouseandconfirmsSooper'sstatementthatthepadlockonthedoorwasfastenedandthatthedooritselfwaslocked.

"Thedooratthebackofthehousewasalsoboltedontheinside;thewindowswere closed, shuttered and barred, and experiments which were made lastevening,atourrequest,conclusivelyprovedthatitwasimpossibletogetintothehouse throughanyof thewindows.Thechimney is toosmall toadmitanormalsizedhumanbeing,andthereisnoothermeansofingresswhichhasyetbeendiscovered.

"ShortlybeforemidnightMissShawarrives,drivinganoldcar,and,pullingupbeforethedoorofthehouse,takesoffthepadlock,unfastensthedoorandgoesin,lockingorboltingthedoorbehindher.Soopertriedthedoorwhenheexaminedthecar,andfounditfastened.Fromtentofifteenminuteslater,MissShawcomesout,locksupanddrivesaway.

"Now,hereisanimportantfactwhichmustbekeptinmind,Ferraby.IfMissShawhadarrivedearlierinthedaywithacompanion,itisquitepossiblethatshe might have locked him in, though it would have been an unusual andsuspiciouscircumstance.Butshewasnottherethewholeofthatday,andthelocalpolicehaveconvincingproofthatnomanwasconcealedonthepremisesbefore the arrival of Lattimer. On the evening before the murder, a policepatrol,whokeepsaneyeontheseisolatedproperties,cametoBeachCottageand, as is usual, got off his bicycle and examined the door. This is donebecause tramps and other worthless people occasionally break into theselonelyplaces.Hehadseenatramploafingaboutoneoftheuppercliffpaths,andhetooktheprecautionof'pegging'thedoor.Asyouknow,thepolicecarrylittleblackpegstowhichisattachedalengthofblackcotton,andthesetheystretchacrossadoorwaywhichtheythinkmaybeforced,fasteningthepegsintosomecreviceofthelintel insuchamannerthat itcouldnotbedetectedexceptbysomepersonwhowaslookingforit.

"Ontheeveningofthemurder,justbeforesunset,afterLattimerhadtakenuphisposition, thepatrolcamealongandstoppedto lookat thedoorofBeachCottage and found the peg intact, which meant that nobody had passedthroughthedoorway,ortheymusthavebrokenthethread.This,asIsay,isanelementaryprecautionwhich is taken in thecaseofeveryemptyhouse, andthepolicepatroldid,infact,pegseveralotherdoorsofemptydwellingsinthecourseofhisduty."

Jim nodded. "That disposes of my theory that the murderer was alreadyconcealedinthehouse."

"Exactly," said the Deputy. "Now let me go on. Miss Shaw comes out ofBeachCottage,drivesalongtheroadandupthehill,anddisappears.Hercarisafterwardsdiscoveredonthetopofthecliff;hermackintoshcoatandhatwerefoundbyaconstablehangingontoabushhalf-waydownthecliff."

"Whenwasthis?"askedJim,insurprise.

"Thismorning;infact,IheardjustbeforeIlefttheYard.OurpresenttheoryisthatMissShawhadarrangedtomeetamanatthecottage,butdiscoveredthatshewasunderobservation.Shemayhaveseenyourcarparkedinthequarry,orpossiblymayhavecaughtaglimpseofoneofyou—Iunderstandyouwereinhiding—asshepassed.Inordertoleadyouaway,shereturnedtothetopofthe cliff, got out of hermachine and came back by one of the innumerablepathswhichcoverthefaceofthescarp.Itispossiblethatattheplaceshelefthercar,themanwaswaitingandaccompaniedherbacktothehouse."

"Whydidshetakeoffherhatandcoat?"askedJim.

"Themackintosh and hat were both light in colour. The dress beneath wasblack. It is likely that she took theseoff inorder toescapeobservation, andmayhave stumbledanddropped them—theywere found immediatelyunderoneoftheseby-paths."

Jim shookhis head. "You forget,Deputy, thatLattimerwas left to keep thehouseunderobservation,"hesaid.

"I have remembered that," said the Deputy. "Lattimer was left in GreatPawsey,which is somedistance from thebeach,anddidnotgetback to thehouseforhalfanhour—atleast,hestateshedidnot.Therewasampletimeforthe woman to return to the cottage with her companion. It is a simpleexplanation, but in cases of this kind the simple explanation is usually thesoundone."Hislipstwitched.

"Ihavealreadyofferedmyviews toSooperbyphone, andalthoughhewasverypolite, Icouldn'thelpfeeling thathewason thepointofexplosion.HedidsaythatitwasridiculoustosuggestthattherewastimeforHannahShawtoclimbdownthecliffbeforeLattimergotbacktothehouse,andIcouldnotescapethefeelingthathewasexercisingunusualrestraint.

"Who was the murderer? Who was Big Foot, who had threatened thisunfortunatewoman?WecomenowtoanincidentofwhichIbelieveyouwerea witness. There was a dinner party at Mr. Cardew's the night before, andSoopersayshesawatrampstandingundertheshadowofbushesoutsidethewindow,andthatthetrampwasarmedwithapistol,andthathesubsequentlyheardhimsingingByron'stranslationofawell-knownSpanishsong—'AydemiAlhama.'"

"NowSooper'sdescriptionoftheman,"saidtheDeputyimpressively, 'talliesexactlywiththatofthelocalpolicemanwhosawatrampskulkingaboutthefaceof thecliff;and furtherconfirmationSoopersupplieshimself.After themurder he heard this man singing the identical song that was sung in theplantationatBarleyStack.Themanwewantisthesingingtramp.Youagree?"

"IsthatSooper'sview?"askedJimcautiously.Forhimself,hewasinclinedtoaccepttheColonel'stheorywithoutquestion.

"Sooper's?No.Butthen,youwouldn'texpectSoopertohavethesameviewasheadquarters.Apparentlyheisonanothertrail.WehadanurgentrequestfromhimlastnighttoputthroughinquiriestotheCambridgepolice—hewantedtoknowwhereaMr.Elsonsleptonthenightofthemurder.Butthat,asIsay,isverylikeSooper.Accordingtohim,Elsonwasacquaintedwiththemurderedwoman; thoughwhyhe should suspect anAmericanmillionaire of killing avery inoffensive housekeeper he hasn't condescended to inform me.Apparently he has sent Lattimer to make inquiries, for one of my officersreportedthatthesergeantpassedthroughLondonthismorningonhiswaytoCambridge.ApparentlyLattimer'sinquirieswerewhollyunsatisfactory."

Jimdidnotexpectthatthesergeantwouldcallonhiswayback,fortherewasnoparticular reasonwhyhe shoulddo so.Hewas therefore surprisedwhenLattimercameintohisroomlaterintheafternoon,andatfirsthethoughtthatthe man had called with a message from Sooper. "It occurred to me, Mr.Ferraby,thatyouwouldliketoknowthatElson'salibiisproved."

"Iwasn'tevenawarethathewassuspected,"smiledJim.

"Well,hewas,inaway,"hesitatedLattimer."WhenSoopergetsanideaintohis head it is rather difficult to move. Elson was missing from Saturdayafternoon tillSundayevening. It seems thathewentona jag, and spent thenight atCambridge.His name isn't on the books at any of the hotels, but Ifoundagaragekeeperwhoremembersputtingupthecar,andprobablyElsonfoundprivatelodgings."

"Not a very satisfactory alibi, is it, Sergeant?" suggested Jim, and Lattimerstiffened.

"I think it will satisfy the superintendent," he said coldly, and then, as ifrecognizingthathistonewasunnecessarilysharp,hewenton:"Ihaven'tseenabedsinceSaturdaynight,andI'm justaboutall in.Sooperdoesn't seemtoneedsleep;hewasoutbeforedaybreakthismorning."

"YouhavemadenofreshdiscoveriesinPawsey?"

Lattimer shook his head. "I don't think there are anymore to bemade," hesaid. "Haveyouheard thatwe foundher coat andhat? Itwashangingon a

bush, at one of the steepest parts of the cliff." The sergeant smiled faintly."Thatwas rather a blow for Sooper,who expected to find them somewhereelse."

"Where?"askedJiminsurprise.

"Idon'texactlyknow?Itisverylikelythathedoesnoteither!"

"After we left you at Pawsey, how long was it before you had the cottageunderviewagain?"

"Youmeanonthenightofthemurder?"Lattimerconsidered."Aboutaquarterofanhour.Soopersaystherewasn't timeforShawtogetback.Ithinktherewasampletime.Ibelievealsothatshesliddownthecliff, thesameasMissLeighdid,andthatiswhereshelosthercoatandhat.Butit'snouseadvancingtheories toSooper:he is a realist!When I suggested tohim that thecottagemayhavebeenbuiltonthesiteofanoldsmuggler'shouse,andthatthereareprobably underground cellars, he was more offensive than I remember hisbeingintheyearsIhaveknownhim.Hewon'tlistentotheories,andofcoursehe'sright."

"Why'ofcourse'?"

Lattimer looked at him strangely; there was a hint of a smile in his eyes."Because Sooper knows," he said drily. "Nobody knows better than Sooperhowthatmurderwascommitted—orwhy!"

BeforeJimcouldrecoverhissurprise,orfireanotherquestionathim,Lattimerwasgone.

XV. ELFALEIGH'SHOME

Elfa Leigh had carried with her, from the house of the pleasant years inEdwardsSquare, all the intimatepersonalpossessionswhich shehad sharedwith her father. They had been great friends, this motherless girl and thedreamy, seemingly helplessmanwhom she called father; andwhen the curtintimationhadcomefromtheBritishAdmiralty,prefacedbythemechanicalexpressionof regret, that theU.S. transportLenglanhadbeen torpedoedoffthesouthcoastofIrelandinagale,and,withitsescortingdestroyer,hadbeensunkwithallhands,thenewshadlefthernumbandunbelieving.

John Kenneth Leigh was returning from Washington, where he had beencalled into consultation with his chief. Throughout the war he had been aliaison officer between the British and American Treasuries, and had beenlargelyresponsiblefortheBritishendofthefinancialarrangementswhichhad

beenmadebetween the twocountries.WhenAmericacame into thewar,hewastransferredtothearmydepartment,andfortwelvemonthsElfahadseenverylittleofherfather.Heseemedtospendhislifemovingbetweenthetwocountries, and it was inevitable that the narrow escapes he had had shouldculminate in disaster. Elfa had to face a new life, and this she did with acouragebeyondpraise.ShegaveupthehouseinEdwardsSquare,movedtothethreeroomsonthetopfloorof75CubittStreet,andstartedtobuildfromthewreckageofherbrokenlife.

ShehadsomerelativesintheUnitedStates,butshehadpreferredtoremaininacitywhichwasalmosthallowedwithmemoriesofherfather;anditwasinthetinysuiteonCubittStreetthatsheregainedsomeofherbalance.Thewallsofherprettysitting-roomwerecoveredwiththeprintsandwatercolourswhichherfather,nomeanconnoisseur,hadcollectedinhislifetime;theoldchairhelovedheldtheplaceofhonournearthewindow;hispipe-rackwasabovethemantelpiece,beneathhissword—hehadonceservedintheAmericancavalry.

Elfahadpracticallynofriendsofherownsex,andfewacquaintancesamongsttheother.Shedidnotencouragecallers,butSooperhadbecomeaprivilegedperson, and when her landlady's maid brought his card on the Mondayafternoon,shesentdownamessageinvitinghimup.Sooperclimbedthethreeflightsofstairsslowly,cameintotheprettylittlesitting-room,hatinhand,onhisfacethatsubstituteforasmilewhichsoterrifiedtheuninitiated.

"Gettin'old,"hesaid,ashedepositedhishatuponthepiano."KnowthetimewhenIcouldhavecomeupthosestairsinsixleaps."

Shecouldnotguessfromhismannerwhetherhehadcometogivehernewsorto make further inquiries about the mysterious Big Foot. Perhaps Sooper'spreliminaries,whichseemedsoaimlessandsodiscursive,had theirplace inhissystemofinterrogation,shethought,andwasnotfarwrong.

"Prettyroomyou'vegot,MissLeigh,andmightycomfortable.Ifyouaskedmetositdown,I'dsitdown,butifyousaid: 'Minter,youcansmoke,'Iwouldn'tdaredoit—notwiththekindoftobaccoIuse."

"You can sit down and smoke," she laughed. "Thewindows arewide open,andIlikethesmellofalmostanykindoftobacco."

"There's a bit of a doubt as to whether this is tobacco at all," said Sooper,filling his pipe from an ancient pouch. "Some say one thing and some sayanother.Icallittobacco...Playthepiano,MissLeigh?"

"Yes,Iplayitsometimes,"shesaid,amused.

"Nobody's educateduntil theycanplay thepiano.Most anybodycanplayagramophone.Gotoveryourbadnight?"

Shenodded."IfI'dlaidoutonthecliff intherain,I'dhavebeendead,"saidSooper."You,bein'young,havegotnothin'butrheumatics."

"Ihaven'tevengotrheumatics,"saidElfagood-humouredly.

"Butyouwillhave," said theominousSooper. "You'vegot it,butyouwon'tknowitperhapsfortwentyyears."

Hedidnotsitdown,butwanderedabouttheroom,lookingatthepictures.

"Prettynicepictures,eh?Donebyhand,MissLeigh?"

Andwhensheansweredlaughinglythattheywere'donebyhand':"Youneverknow. I've seenmachinepictures that lookedasgoodashandpictures—andbetter. You painted this yourself, I'll bet?" He pointed to a water-colourpaintingofalandscape.

"No,thatwaspaintedbyagreatFrenchartist,"shesaid.

"Frenchpeoplehavegottheknackofthatsortofthing,"musedSooper,"andit'sonlyaknack,puttingtherightcoloursintherightplaces.Anybodycoulddoitiftheywereeducateduptoit.That'safinelotofbooksyou'vegot."Hefingered the volumes which filled three long shelves. "Nothin' aboutanthr'pology?Youhaven'tcaughtthatdisease?Ormaybepsychology?Idon'tseeasinglebookaboutcrime."

"I'm not greatly interested in crime," said Elfa. "Those were my father'sbooks."

He tookout avolume, turning the leaves slowly.Whenhehad replaced thebook,hesaid:"Hewaskilledinthewar.Imethimonce."

"Myfather?"sheaskedquickly.

Henodded."Yes;oneoftheclerksinhisbureaustolesomemoney—he'dbeenplaying the races—and I was called in. He seemed a very niceman—yourfather,Imean."

"Hewasthebestmanintheworld."saidthegirlquietly,andSoopernoddedhisapproval.

"That's the way I like to hear children talk about their parents," he said."There's too much 'governor-in' and 'old bean-in' and 'old top- pin' aboutnowadaystopleaseme.WhenIhearaladcallhisfather'oldhorse'I'mgladInevermarried."

"Thenyouareabachelor?" sheasked, anxious to turn theconversation toasubjectwhichwaslesssacredtoher.

"Me?Why,yes.Onlyhadoneloveaffairinmylife,andthatwasn'texactlyaloveaffair.Shewasawidowwiththreechildren,butshewastemp'ramental,

thesameasme.There'snoroominonehousefortwotemp'ramentalpeople,andtherewouldhavebeenfive,forthechildrenwerethemosttemp'ramentalof the lot—used to have their breakfast in bed, which is the mosttemp'ramentalthingIknow.Mr.Cardewbeentotheofficetoday?"

Sheshookherhead."No,hetelephonedmethismorning.HeisbackatBarleyStack. I think hemust have recovered from the shock of poorMiss Shaw'sdeath,forhisservanttoldmethathewasveryhardatworkinhisstudy."

"The'rizin'an'deductin',"saidSoopergloomily."That'swhathe'sat the'rizin'an'deductin'!ImadeanearlycallonhimbeforeIcameupthismornin',andtherehewasinthestudy,withbooksonanthr'pologyan'soc'ologyandlogican' every thin'; and he had a plan of the cottage andwasmeasurin' it withcompassesandtapemeasuresandfindin'outthatit'stwenty-sixfeetfromthekitchentothefrontdoor;andhehadbooksoftidetables...buthehadn'tgotamicroscope.Thatkindofdisappointedme.Andnotest-chubes.Maybehegot'emafterIleft.Ibroughtawaytheplanofthecottage,buthewon'twantthat.He's got themeasurements, an' the tides an' a sample of the sand.We shallknowwhodidthemurdertonight."

Inspiteof thegruesomenessof thesubject,shewas laughingsoftly:"You'renotagreatbelieverinthedeductivemethod,Mr.Minter?"

"Call me Sooper," begged the old detective. "You're wrong—I am, miss; Ibelieve in science. There's not enough in the police force; that'swhatwe'reshort of. She bought that hat at Astor's, in High Street, Kensington. Shewantedthatkind,thoughitwasayearold.Funnything,awomanwantingahatthat'soutoffashion."

Thetransitionfromthedetective'sopinionsonart to themundanesubjectofclotheswassorapidandunexpectedthatElfawastakenaback.

"YoumeanMissShaw?Whatkindofhatwasit?"

"Abigyellowstrawwithacurtainveilallroundit—youknowthekindthatjustcomesdowntoyournose?SheboughtitonSaturdayjustbeforethestoreclosed, and it didn't suit her.Thegirl in the shop said it didn't suit her.Shemustbehonest.Very fewshopgirlswould tellacustomer thatahatdoesn'tsuither...butshesaidthatwasthekindshewanted,andshehadit.Paidtwopoundsfiveandsixandtookitawayinabag.Ididn'ttellCardew:newslikethatwouldrousehimtomadness.He'ddeductthatsheboughtthehattowearontheContinent,andhe'dbemeasurin'Pariswithafoot-rulebeforeyoucouldsay'knife'."

Sooperwasbackatthebookshelfandwastakingbookafterbookinhishand,running his thumb along the pages, and giving the contents nomore than acasualglance."Anymoreeggsandpotatoes?"heaskedsuddenly.

"Youmean inEdwardsSquare?No, Ihavenotheard fromMr.BolderwoodLattimer."

"Can't understand why he calls himself Bolderwood. Thought only peoplenamedSmithworemascots.Fondofflowers,MissLeigh?"

"Very,"shesaid.

Sooper scratched his chin. "Who ain't?" he asked. "Flowers get me moretemp'ramentalthananythin'Iknow.Everseenafieldofbuttercups,evertakenagoodlookatbluebellssortofshimmeringinadarkwood?There'sabitofpoetrysomewhere:'Suchadrearbankofmosstill,onegreymorn,Blueranaflashacrossan'vi'letswereborn.'NeverthinkofthosetwolineswithoutIgettearsinmyeyes.Andthat'stemp'ramental.I'vegotascrapbookfullofpoemsaboutflowersathome—rosesan'vi'letsan'primrosesan'everythin'.It'sfunnynobody'swrittenapoemaboutlilac."

She lookedathimsuspiciously. "Mr.Minter,you'recoming ina roundaboutway to the flowers thatwere left at Edwards Square. I couldwrite a poemaboutlilacifIcouldwriteapoemaboutanything;itismyfavouriteflower."

"Mine's tulips," murmured Sooper. He sat down slowly. "Ever meet Mr.Elson..likehim?He'sanAmericantoo,isn'the?"

"Yes,"shesaid.

"He can read—just; and write—nearly. Keeps a secretary to run hiscorrespondence,butcanspelloutafewwordshimself."

"Is thatso?"sheaskedinsurprise."I thoughttherewasnobodyintheworldwhocouldn'treadorwrite."

"He'sanobody,inamannerofspeakin',"saidSooper.

Afewminuteslatershewentoutoftheroomtoordertea,and,comingback,foundthepoliceofficeratthebookshelfagain."You'reveryfondofbooks?"

"Readin'booksIlike,"headmitted."Studyin'booksareaboutaspopularwithmeasmeasles,scarletfeverandallthenotifiablediseases.'J.K.L.,'"hereadontheflyleaf."Thatwasyourfather,MissLeigh?"

"Yes,thatwasinmyfather'sname—JohnKenneth."

"Aniceman,Ishould think,"saidSooperreflectively."Not thekindofmanwho'dmakeenemies."

"Hehadn'tanenemyintheworld,"shesaid."Everybodylovedhim."

Soopermadea sympatheticnoise. "That's a thing that'll neverbe saidaboutme," he remarked. "A list of the people who don't love me would fill thatbookshelf,MissLeigh,andthere'dbeenoughleftovertopapertheroom.All,"

he added modestly, "due to jealousy and genyus—their jealousy and mygenyus.Bearthatinmind,MissLeigh:whenafellow'sunpopular,it'sduetojealousy,andifyoudon'tbelieveme,askthefellowhimself.He'lladmitit."

"I'msureyou'renot soveryunpopular,Sooper," she said, as shepouredouttea.

"Iain't,butI'mgoin'tobe,"saidSooperdarkly."Youwatchout,MissLeigh.I'mgoin'tobeoneofthemostunpopularmenintheforce—andsoon."

XVI. ALITTLEDINNER

Sooper,on leaving, told thegirlhewasgoingback tohisstation,permittinghimself one of those unveracities which were wholly justifiable in his owneyes.HespentanuncomfortabletimeattheYard,interviewinghissuperiors,butthediscomfortwasmainlytheirs.Inthespaceoftwohourshedemolished,indetailandingeneral,atleasttwenty-twotheoriesandsidetheories.Andthishe accomplishedwith such a wealth ofmalignant comment and illustrationthateventheChiefCommissionersighedhisreliefwhenthedoorcloseduponhim.

HeleftScotlandYardandmadeforafashionablepicturetheatre,notbecausehewas tempted by the programme, but because at this particular resort thelightswerenotraised,betweenthefeatures,andSoopersleptbestinthedark.For two hours he sat crouched in a chair, his head on his chest, his armsfolded, and the terrific adventures of popular andwell paid artists flickeredandgleamedbeforehisunconsciousfigure.

Men performed daring deeds; gallant heroes leapt abysmal chasms; fairmaidenswererescuedfromheart-thrillingdangers;andSooperslepton,tillanattendanttouchedhisshoulderandaskedhimifhewouldkindlystanduptoallowastoutladytopasshim.Refreshed,hewentintothetheatrerestaurant,drank three cups of coffee in rapid succession, ate a large wedge ofindigestiblecake,andwentforthanewman.

His objective was Fregetti's, and in point of exclusiveness Fregetti's hadnothing to fear from the Ritz-Carlton or from any other establishment,however magnificent. Fregetti's is in an unfashionable quarter, being at thelowerendofPortlandStreet,butisgenerallyconcededamongstepicuresthattherestaurantisthebestinLondon.

Sooper tookupapositionandwaited.Caraftercarstoppedbefore theglassawninganddepositeditswell-dressedcargo.

Butitwasquarterafterninebeforeacabslowedatthedoor,andthetwomenforwhomSooperwaswaitingsteppedforth.

ThefirstwasElson:hewasinadinnerjacket,andworeatthebackofhisheada shiny silk hat, which somehow seemed incongruous. There followed himfrom the cab amore elegant gentleman,whowore—hiswell-fitting clotheswithgreaterease.

He stoppedwhilst Elson paid the cabman, and then disappeared behind theglassdoorsoftherestaurant,andSoopergruntedhissatisfaction."Ihopeyouenjoyyourdinner,Lattimer,"he said. "You're lookingpretty spry fora tiredman!"

Lattimer strolled through the palm court into the half darkness of therestaurant.Beyondthedimilluminationaffordedbycorniceglobes, theonlylight in the roomcame from the table lamps,whichbrought to the saloon astrangesenseofintimacy.ToElsonthehalf-darknesswaswelcome:hehatedlightalmostascordiallyashehatedcompany,andhemadehiswaywithquickifunsteadystepstothetableinthefarcornerthathehadbookedbytelephone.

"Where did you leave that old fool?" he growled, as he seated himself, andreachedforthecocktailthatstoodwaiting.

"Sooper?Oh,he'sinLondonsomewhere,"saidLattimer,ashetookacigarettefromagoldcaseandlitit."Youneedn'tworryabouthim."

"If you think I'm worried about him, why, you've made one big mistake,"snappedElson."No,sir,I'venorespectfortheEnglishpolice."

"Thankyou,"saidLattimer.

"Youdon't suppose I thinkahellofa lotofyou,doyou?"demandedElsonsavagely."Where'sthatwaiter?"

The waiter came at long last, and, having served them, melted into thedarkness.

"Now what do you want?" asked Elson, putting down his fork and sittingback.

"Iwantanotherfivehundred,"repliedLattimercoolly.

"Itdoesn'tsoundmuchindollars,"grumbledtheother,"butit'sawholelotinpounds!Igaveyouahundredafortnightago:whathaveyoudonewiththat?"

"You lent me a hundred," corrected Lattimer carefully, "and I gave you areceipt.WhatIdidwiththatdoesn'tmatter.Iwantfivehundrednow."

Elson'sfacewentduskywithanger."Howlongdoyouthinkyou'regoingtomilkme?"heasked."IfIwenttothatoldguyandtoldhim—"

"Butyouwon't," saidLattimer softly. "And really, Idon'tknowwhatyou'remakingafussabout.It'sworthyourwhiletokeepongoodtermswithme.I'vesavedyoufromaheapoftrouble,andI'mwillingtogoonhelpingyou.I'vegotabigenoughpulltohelpyououtofalmostanythingexceptmurder."

Elsonshuddered."What'sthisstuffaboutmurder?"heaskedloudly.

Somebodyatthenexttableturnedtheirheadtolooktowardshim,andhewentoninalowervoice:"Iguessyou'llbeusefuloneofthesedays,andifyou'renotwell,itwouldn'tlooktoogoodtoyourcaptaintoseethereceiptsIholdofyours. I'm going to give you that five hundred, not because you've gotanything on me, because you haven't, but because I kind of like you. I'venothingtofearfromthepolicean'neverhad—"

"Except in St. Paul," interrupted the other, with a twist of his lip. "You'rewantedby theSt.Paulpoliceonachargeof robberywithassault.YouhaveservedtwotermsinStatepenitentiariesforrobberyandotheroffences,andifthe extradition lawworks it isn't going to be difficult to pull you in at anytime.Beyond that,"hesaid,smiling into thescowlingfaceof theman,"I'venothingonyou."

"You'reablackmailer,"saidElsonbetweenhisteeth.

"Andyou'reafool,"repliedLattimer,inexcellenttemper."Seehere,Elson,orAlstein,orwhateveryournameis,Imaybeprettyusefultoyou—I'veanideaI'mgoingtobe.Andyoumightrememberthatitisn'twhatI'vegotonyouthatcounts—itiswhatSooperhasinhismindthatmatters."

"DoesheknowaboutthatSt.Paultrouble?"

"Itdoesn'tmatterifhedoes,"wasthecoolresponse."Itwasn'tanextraditableoffence...."

"How'sthat?"saidthedumbfoundedmillionaire."Butyoutoldme—"

"I'vetoldyoualotthatwouldn'tpassonthewitnessstand:I'mtellingyouthetruthnow.SolongasyouremaininEnglandyoucan'tbepinched.Andyouneedn't look ugly, because I didn't know about this until today." He leantacross the table and lowered his voice. "Elson, there is going to be troubleoverHannahShaw.SoopersentmedowntoCambridgetotestyourstory,anditdoesn'tstandexamination.IcamebackwithayarnthatI'dfoundthegaragewhereyouputyourmachineforthenight—butIneverfoundanysuchgarage.Youweren'tthere!"

Elsonmovedrestlesslyinhischair."HowdoIknowwhereIwas?Didn'tItellyouIwassoused?IgotanideaIwassomewherenearacollege,that'sall."

SergeantLattimer'seyeswerefixedontheuncomfortableman."Comeacross,Elson,"heinvitedsoftly."You'vegotsomethingtotell—spillit,boy!"

Theothermanshookhishead."I'venothingtospill,"hesaidsourly."What'sthematterwithyou?Youknowitall—whyaskme?"

"WhokilledHannahShaw?"

Elson'seyelidsnarrowedtilltheywereslits."Maybeyoudon'tknowanythingaboutthat!"hesneered."Maybeyoudon'tknowwhereshewasallafternoon!"

"WhyshouldI?"demandedLattimer,withanairofunconcern.

"PerhapsyounevermetHannahShawattheendofthelaneafterdark?Andsomedays,whenshewentoutridinginherflivver,youdidn'tmeetherandgolongridestogether?"askedElson,watchinghimclosely."IguessyourSooperdoesn'tknowthat."

"Hedoesn'tknoweverything,"wasthecoolreply.

"I'll bet he doesn't! Hannah Shaw and you were pretty well acquainted, itseemstome;toowellacquaintedforyoutocomeandaskforinformation.Shetoldmeoneortwothingsaboutyouthatwouldn'tsoundgoodbeforeajudge.If it comes toa show-down,Lat,you'regoing to lookpretty foolish.You'vebeen playingHannah formonths. Sooper doesn't know, andCardewdoesn'tknow. I've been reading the papers thismorning—at least,my secretary hasbeen reading them to me—and it seems that when they searched Hannah'sroomnomoneywasfound.Ihappentoknow"—hespokeslowly—"thatwhenHannah disappeared, she had four hundred thousand dollars. Never mindwhereshegotit—Iknowshehadit.Whereisthatmoney?"

Lattimermadenoanswer.

"You're a crook, Lat, like most fly-cops who've got ideas above their payenvelope. There's nothing you wouldn't do for money. You've beenmonthstrying topersuadeHannah to take shares in adud syndicate.You toldher aweekagothatyou'ddomostanythingtogettenthousanddollars.Thatlooksmightybadtome."

"Order another bottle of wine," said Lattimer, "and let's talk of somethingelse."

It was past midnight when Elson's car came cautiously up the drive andstoppedbeforethehouse.Elsongotoutand,swayingtothedoor,succeeded,after several futile attempts, in opening it. He got into the hall, steadiedhimselfagainstthewall,andpushedthedoorclosebeforehemadehiserraticway up the stairs, clinging to the balustrade. He succeeded in reaching thesettee,andfellinstantlytosleep.Itwasthesharppointofhisdresscollarthatrousedhimtosemi-consciousness.

He woke, his head in a painful whirl, his legs so weak that they scarcelysustainedtheweightofhisbodywhenheeventuallycametohisfeet.Sleepily

hetuggedat thecollar,and,aftermanyattempts, toreitoff.All thelights intheroomwereburning,and inadim,fuddledwayherealized thathemightsleepbetteriftheywereextinguished.Ashecrossedtheroomwithunsteadysteps,hepeeledoffhiscoat,wrenchedopenhisshirt,and,leaningagainstthewallbeforeheturnedtheswitch,kickedloosehisshoes.

Thechangetotheghostlylightofdawnpartiallysoberedhim.Hewentbacktothesettee,pouredhimselfoutastiffbrandyandsodaand,drinkingitdownatagulp,feltinstantlywideawake.

Themorningwaswarm:hewalkedtothewindow,pushedopenthecasement,and, leaningout,drank indeepdraughtsof thesweetdawnair.And thenhebecame conscious that, almost beneath him, a figurewasmoving along theedge of the flower-bed, stooping now and again to pluck a bloom.His lefthandalreadyheldabigbunch.

For a second, Elson thought that his eyes were playing him tricks, for thegardenstilllayundertheshadowofthepassingnight.Andthenheheardthemanhummingatune.

"Hi!"heshouted."Whatareyoudoinghere?"

Thefigurelookedround.Itwastoodarktoseehisface.

"What are you doing here?" roared Elson angrily when the man made noanswer.

As he spoke, the intruder leapt across the bed and ran rapidly towards thecoverofthedrive.

"I'llgetyou!"yelledElson,inaninsanerage.

Andthen,fromthedarknessofthetrees,camethewordsofthesong:

"TheMoorishkingridesupanddownThroughGranada'sroyaltown.AydemiAlhama!"

For awhileElson stood, grasping thewindow-ledge, his facegrey, his eyesstaring.

"AydemiAlhama!"

Therefrainwasdyingawayinthedistance,butElsondidnothear.Helayinaheap on the ground, an unclean, shivering thing, croaking blasphemy andsupplication,screaminginterror,forhehadheardavoicefromthegrave.

But there was, within the very shadow of the house, one whom that songgalvanizedtolife.Sooper,keepinghiswatchattheendofthelane,heardthesong, caught amomentary glimpse of the singer as he flitted like a shadowacross the road,and inanother instanthiscrazymotor-cyclewasexploding

likeamachine-gunashedrovedownthelanetointerceptthenightwanderer.

Thetrampsawhim,brokebackacrossafield,anddivedintoawildernessofbushandwoodlandwhichformedthecornerofanadjoiningestate.Sooper'snoisymachine turned,andheflewdownthemainroadandswungroundanangleofanoldwalljustasthetrampbrokecover.

The man ran like the wind, still grasping in his hand the flowers he hadpicked;andjustasSoopercameabreastofhim,heturnedatrightangles,leaptaditchandspedacrossameadow.Soopermadeaquickcalculation,senthiscyclealongtheroadataremarkablespeed,slowingtotakethecornerofacarttrackwhichheknewranparallelwiththemeadowacrosswhichhehadseenthemanrunning,andhismanoeuvrewassuccessful.As the trampstaggeredoutontotheroad,Sooperleaptfromhisbicycle,caughthimunderthearms,andgentlyloweredhimtotheground.

"Steady,myfriend!"saidSooper.

Thetramplookedupwithaqueersmileonhisbeardedface.

"I'mafraidI'vegivenyoualotoftrouble,"hesaidfaintly.

His voice was the voice of a cultured American, but for that Sooper wasprepared.

"Notrouble,"hesaidcheerfully."Canyoustand?"

Thetrampclimbedtohisfeetshakily.

"Think you'd betterwalkwithme to the station and have some food," saidSooperkindly,andtheotherobeyedwithoutdemur.

Astheywalkedslowlyalongtheroadtowardsthetown,Sooperexpressedhisinwardsatisfactionbyaninevitablegarrulity.

"Aweekago I'dhave treatedyou rough, I admit it.Got an ideayouwereaprettybadman."

"I'mnotatallabadman,"saidtheothersimply.

"I'll bet you're not," agreedSooper. "No, sir! I've done a lot of the'rizin' an'deductin'aboutyou,an'IguessI'vegotyouright.Iknowyourname."

Themansmiled."Ihavesomanynames,IwishIknewtherightone,"hesaid.

"I'mgoingtotellyoutherightone,"repliedSooper."Bylogican'deductionan' the'ry, I'vedecided thatyourname is JohnKennethLeigh,of theUnitedStatesTreas'ry!"

XVII. SOOPER'SSENSATION

Mr.GordonCardewputdownhiscompasses,tookoffhisglasses,andstaredopen-mouthed at his visitor. Having produced his sensation, Sooper dideverythingexceptpurr.

"ButIunderstandfromtheyoungladythatherfatherwaskilledinthewar?"

"He'salive,"saidSooperunnecessarily,"andinanursinghome."

Mr.Cardewlookedfromtheplanofthecottagetothedetective,asthoughhewerenotquitesureinhismindwhetherthenewswassufficientlystartlingtojustifytheinterruptioninhiswork.

"Iamveryglad,"hesaidatlast,"extremelyglad.Ihaveheardofsuchcases,butneverdreamtthatonewouldcomewithinmypersonalexperience.That,ofcourse,explainswhyMissLeighdidnotcometomewhenIwiredforher."

And there, so far asMr.Cardewwas concerned, hewas prepared to let thematter end. For whilst the advent of a lost father more or less might beinteresting to Sooper in his official capacity, Mr. Cardew was only mildlyintrigued,until:"There'snodoubthewasthefellerthatdidthesingin'onthenightof themurder,"saidSooper."Gotan idea thathe lived inoneof thosecaveshighup,an'hadaropeladderwhichheletdownatnightwhenhecameout,an'tookupinthemornin'whenhegotback.Hepracticallytoldmeso."

"Thetramp!"gaspedCardew."Notthemanwhowasinthegardenthenightyoudinedhere?"

Soopernodded."Buta tramp...MissLeigh's father! It is incredible!Whatonearthwashedoing?Atramp!"Hewasshocked.

"Just what tramps do," said Sooper; 'loafing around, picking up things. Hemusthaveremembered,inawildkindofway,wherehelived,andIthinkhehad a crazy notion that his daughter might be starving. He used to collectthings,likeeggsandpotatoes,andleavethemonherdoorstep.Sometimesheleftflowers."

"Isn'thequiteright inhishead?"askedMr.Cardewanxiously."Ishouldnotliketothinkthatthatwasso.Thesederangementsarefrequentlyhereditary."

"He's right in his head and yet he's not right in his head," was theunsatisfactoryexplanationwhichSooperoffered."Thedoctorthinksthere'sapressure,abitofbone—there'safour-inchscaronhisscalp.Somebodygavehimacrackthathewon'tforgetinahurry."

The lawyer put the tips of his fingers together and lookedup at the ceiling."Possibly it was a splinter of shell: I have heard of such cases. But in that

event,Ican'tunderstandhowhecametobeatramp.ItmusthavebeenaverypleasantshockforMissLeightohavediscoveredherfatherwasstillalive.Ihopeyoubrokethenewsgently,althoughjoydoesnotkill."

"Yes,sir,Ibrokeittactful,"noddedSooper."IgotheronthephoneandtoldherIdidn't thinkherfatherwasasdeadasshe'dcalculated.Andthatsortofpreparedherforthenews."

Mr. Cardew pursed his lips dubiously. He was really not interested in theremarkable recovery, except in so far as Leigh's presence at Pawsey on thenightofthemurderbroughtanewelementintothecase.

"Iunderstandyouhadatheorythatthismanwasassociatedwiththecrime?"hesaid."Infact,ifIrememberrightly,youthoughthemightbeBigFoot?"

"Ineverthoughtanythingofthekind!"snarledSooper,whoresentednothingsomuchashavingviewsattributedtohimwhichhedidnothold."Ijustdidn'tthinkanythin'of thekind.You'rethe'rizin',Mr.Cardew."Helookeddownattheplan,criss-crossedwithinnumerablestraightpencillines."Gotthewholethingworkedout?"heaskedsardonically."Murdercommittedbyaleft-footedman?"

Mr.Cardew could afford an indulgent smile. "I have done nothing quite soclever," he said. "But I have learnt a very important item from the citysurveyorofPawsey.Hetellsmethatthebungalowwasbuiltonthesiteofanoldcottage,andbeyonddoubttherearecellarssomewherebeneaththefloorofthekitchen."

Soopersighed."FortheloveofMike!"hesaidsoftly,"won'ttheyforgetthosecellars? And how did the feller escape—through a crack in the floor? Ormaybethroughaworm-hole?Andain'tthereanythin'aboutsecretsprings—maybe thewholehouse revolves like the trap in theshopofSweeneyTodd,thebarber."

"Atanyrate,Iamsofarconvincedthatnoharmcanbedonebyexcavating,"affirmedMr.Cardew, 'thatIamperfectlywillingtogivemypermission,andsincethehouseismyproperty,Idon'tseewhatobjectiontherecanbe—Iwillpayforthework."

"Knowmysergeant?"interruptedSooperinhisabruptfashion.

"Lattimer?Yes,Iknowhim.Hehasbeenhereonseveraloccasions,"repliedCardewinsurprise.

"Hasheevertriedtobefriendly?"

Mr. Cardew hesitated. "No," he said.And then, "I don't think that I shouldspeakaboutthemantohissuperiorofficer,but..."

"Butwhat?"

"Well,heoncehintedverybroadlythathe'dliketoborrowalittlemoney."

"Huh!"gruntedSooper."Hedid,eh?Didyoulendit?"

"No,Ididnot.Iwasratherannoyed,asamatteroffact.Onedoesnotexpectaresponsibleofficerofpolicetomakethatsortofsuggestion.Inevertoldyouaboutthisbefore,Superintendent,because,asIsay,Ihavenowishtogetthemanintotrouble."

Sooperruminatedonthis,thenpointedtotheplanagain."Gotallyourthe'riesproperlyfixed?"heasked,andCardewlaughedaloud.

"Idon'tmindyourgibes,Superintendent,"hesaidgoodhumouredly,"becauseIrealizethere'snomaliceinthem.ButifIwereabettingman,whichIamnot,IwouldwagerthatIamnearertothetruthaboutthatmurderthanyou."

HewalkedwithSoopertothefrontdoor,andagaintheoldpolicemanwentoffatatangent.

"Mr.Elson'sill,"hesaid."Hadafitorsump'n.Soundslikeboozetome.Thatfellow is a soak of soaks. I asked the doctor thismornin' if itwas deliriumtrimmings, but he didn't giveme any satisfaction: these doctors are closer'noysters."

"Whereisyourtramp?"askedMr.Cardewatparting.

"Mr.JohnKennethLeigh,oftheUnitedStatesTreas'ry,"saidSoopercarefully,"isinanursinghome,beingnursed.That'swhatnursinghomesarefor."

"Andhisdaughter?"

"MissElfaHenriettaLeigh—she'swithhim,tryin'togethimtotalkabouthisexperience,butallhedoesistosingthatfoolishsongabouttheKingofSpainridin'upan'down. 'Oh,dear,Alhambra'orsump'n'. Itmaybeamighty finesong,butitdon'tthrillme.Butitwashisfavouritesongapparently—Isawiton the top of her piano when I wasmakin' a call on the young lady. AlsobooksonSpanishpoetry.That'swhatmademestartdeductin'.Ifyougetanycrackajack ideas about this bungalow murder, Mr. Cardew, you know mytelephonenumber—I'dbeinterested.TheLondonpolicetoldmethatthey'vegotnonewclueabouttheburglaryatyouroffice."

"Iamhardlysurprised,"saidMr.Cardewdryly."YettheconnectionbetweenthemurderandtheburningofpoorHannah'sdocumentsmustbefairlyclear,eventoScotlandYard."

"Nothing'sclearatScotlandYard,"saidSooperunkindly.

Mr.LeighhadbeenremovedtoanursinghomeinWeymouthStreet,London,

andSooperfoundtimelaterinthemorningtocallandinquireafterhispatient.The girl, who came down to the reception-room, had undergone a subtletransformation. Therewas a new colour in her cheeks, a new brightness ineyes that still showed signs of tears, which had almost changed herappearance.

"He'ssleepingnow,"shesaid.

"Doesheknowyou?"saidSooper.

Sheshookherhead."Notreally,"shesaid."Imusthavechangedalotinthelastsixyears.HeaskedmeifIknewhislittlegirl."Herliptrembled."IfI'mafoolandcry,shakeme,Sooper.Isn'titwonderful—findinghimagain?"

"Ifoundhim,"saidSooper.

Shetookhisroughhandbetweenhersandsqueezedit."Ofcourseyoudid,"shesaidsoftly."Nobodyelsewouldhaveconnectedthesongwithdaddy.Andthequeer thingis thatIheardhimsingingthatnightwhenI layonthecliff.ThenIthoughtIhadbeendreaming."

"Didn'tyouknowaboutthistrampwhosangSpanishsongs?"

Sheshookherheadagain."No,"shesaid,"ifIhad,Ishouldhavebeencertainitwasdaddy,althoughIbelievedhewasdead.Poordarling!"shesaidsoftly."Itwashewho left foodon thedoorstep inEdwardsSquare.Hemust haverememberedsomethingof thepast.What Ican'tunderstand iswhyhenevercame to thehouseormadehimselfknown.Hehasbeenhiding forall theseyears—why?"

Sooper'sferociousgrinwastheanswer.

"That'sjustwhatI'vebeenthe'rizin'aboutforalongtime,"hesaid.

AfewdoorsfromthenursinghomewasthehouseofthegreatsurgeonwhomSooper, on his own responsibility, had summoned to make a superficialexamination.ItwasSooper'sgoodfortunetofindthedoctorathome,andthereporthereceivedwasdistinctlyencouraging.

"Iwouldn'tdescribehimasinsane,althoughobviouslyhe'snotresponsibleforhisactions.Everysymptompointstopressure,andthere'sachance,ifthatisrelieved,Mr. Leighwill become normal. It is by nomeans certain, but theoperation is justified. I have had a visit from an official of the AmericanEmbassy,andnoexpenseistobespared."

"Whenwillyouoperate?"askedSooper.

Thegreatsurgeonshookhishead.

"ThatIcan'ttellyou.Themanatthepresentmomentisnotfittoendurethe

shockofabigoperation.Wemustbuilduphisvitality."

"Doitsoon,Doctor,"saidSooper;"IwanttogetthiscasefinishedbeforetheLongVacation—there'sanOldBaileySessions in sixweeks:maybe Icouldmakeit."

Hetookalittlediaryfromhiswaistcoatpocketandconsultedit."Yes,they'dgetthetrialoverinJune,andthey'dbehunginJuly,intimeformyholiday—neverliketogoonavacationtillI'vegotmymanproperlydead.Whatwiththese courts of appeal and pleas of insanity and unconscious v'lition, you'reneversureofyourmantillyou'vegothimonthedrop."

Heleftthemystifiedsurgeonundecidedastowhetherhehadbeendrinkingorwassufferingfromsunstroke.

There was no need for Sooper to introduce himself to the desk sergeant atMaryleboneLanepolicestation,andhesecuredaninterviewwiththeofficerinchargebythesimpleprocessofwalkingintohisroomandshuttingthedoorbehindhim.

"Iwant aday andnightwatchon59WeymouthStreet," he said. "There's amemberoftheAmericanEmbassytherenamedLeigh,andhere'salistofthepeoplewhomustn'tseehim."

Helaidapaperontheofficer'stable.

"I've told the matron that he's to have no food but what comes from thekitchen;nofancytruck,chocolates,grapesoranyothervegetablesdonatedbykindan' lovin' friends.All Iwantyourman todo is tosee thatnobodygetsintothehouseafternightfall."Hethenproceededtoexplainatgreaterlengththeimportanceandseriousnessofthechargethatwascommittedtohiscare.Mostdivisionalinspectorswouldhaveresentedtheappearanceofa'foreigner'from another division, and grown a little apoplectic at his peremptory tone.ButSooperwasSooper,andhestrode forth into thesunlightofMaryleboneLane,satisfiedthathisinstructionswouldbecarriedouttotheletter.

Hisworkcompleted,hecouldindulgeintheluxuryofafriendlycallonJimFerraby; and such was his extraordinary memory for the habits andcharacteristics of his friends that Sooper arrived simultaneously with theobjectofhissearchonthestepsofJim'sclub.

Jimalmostfelluponhiminhisanxietytoprocurenews.

"I'vebeentryingtogetyouallmorning,"hesaid."MissLeighphonedmethewonderfulnews,andsincethenI'vebeenunabletogetintouchwithher.Thetrampisherfather?Itdoesn'tseempossible."

"Noneof thecoops Ibringoff seempossible,"saidSooper,who throughouthislifehadresolutelyrefusedtogiveanybutanEnglishpronunciationtothe

French words that have crept into our speech. "Thought I'd call on you;restaurantsareprettyexpensiveinLondon,andthecookinghere'sgood."

Itwasnotuntil lunchwasfinishedandtheyweresittingover theircoffee inthesmoke-room,thatSooperrevealedhismind.

"ThatSpanishsongdidn'tmeanathingtome,"hesaid,'thoughittoldmethatthetrampwasadifferentkindtotheusualrun.SoIgotontothetrailofthisfeller, picked up information from all over the country, through the localpolice, and discovered that this singing trampwas prettywell known—he'dbeeninprisonforaweekatCanterbury,onachargeofvagrancy.Wonderistheprisondoctordidn'tspotthefactthathewasnutty.ButitwasthenewsyougavemeonSundayabouttheeggsandpotatoesbein' leftonthedoorstepofMiss Leigh's old house that gotme thoroughly interested. Tomymind thatcouldmeanonlyonething:thatsomebodywasfondofMissLeigh,butdidn'tknowshehad left thehouse,wasdropping these littlegifts.Thatcouldonlymeansomebodywhohadacrazynotionshewasstarving;andtheonlypersonIwho'dfeelthatwaywouldbeherfather.SoIcalledontheyounglady,anditwasaprettysimplebitofthe'rizin'tolinkupthetramp.Thedoctorsthinkthatanoperationmaybringhimtohissenses,andthenwe'regoin'tolearnawholelotofromanticthingsthatyoudon'tdreamabout."

"Suchas...?"askedJimsuggestively.

"Remember that feller I told you about—Brixton, the City alderman?" Jimnodded."Aclose,meansortoffeller."

"Well,whatabouthim?"askedJim.

"Noth'n'," replied Sooper casually. "I just wondered if you rememberedmymentioninghim."

"Whathashetodowiththetramp?"

"Aconsiderablelot,"saidSooper,"andwiththemurder.Youmarkmywords,thatfeller,SirSomethin'Brixton,isgoingtobeahighlyinterestingwitness."

Hetookouthispocket-book,laiditonthelittletablewheretheircoffeehadbeen deposited, and, groping in its capacious depths, produced a foldedenvelope.

"Rememberthat?"

Jimnodded.Itwastheenvelopethathadbeenfoundonthekitchenflooronthenightofthemurder.

"Only twopeopleknowabout that,"hesaid,"youand theyoung lady.EvenLattimerdoesn'tknow.ThemanwhowrotetheletterthatwasinsidethishereenvelopewasthemanwhokilledHannahShaw.That'scertain.Hemayhave

comedownthechimney,hemayhavecomeupfromthesubt'raneandepthsofthe earth, out of secret cellars andother remarkable places; or hemayhaveleaptthroughthefrontdoor,orhemayhaveleaptthroughthewinder;butthemanthattypedthat,"—hetappedtheenvelopeimpressively—"pulledthegunthat killed that unfortunate female.Maybe she's not so unfortunate as somepeoplethink.Personally,I'vegotanideashe'swelloutofit."

"Outofwhat?"askedthepuzzledJim.

Sooperwavedacomprehensivehand.

"Everythin'," he said. "If you want to order me a liqueur, I'll have an oldbrandy—Idon'tlikethestuffwithsugarinit."

HegaveJimtheaddressofthenursinghome,and,retrievinghismotor-bicyclefrom thegarageatScotlandYard,where ithadbeenanobjectofwonder tomanyyoungconstables,heexplodedhimselfbacktohisheadquarters.

Lattimerwasnotthere.Hehadsenthim,earlierinthemorning,toPawseytomakeinquiries.Theinquestwasonthefollowingday.Sooperhadhiscasetoprepare,anditwasnoeasytasktodisentangletheevidencehecouldgiveinopencourtfromthatwhich,intheinterestsofjustice,mustbesuppressed.

Fromtimetotimeheliftedhishead,putdownhispen,andindulgedhimselfincertainmalignantreflections,amongstwhichappearedmostfrequentlytheknowledge that Mr. Cardew must be torn from his work of criminalinvestigationandkickhisheelsinastuffylittlecoroner'scourt.

Lattimerreturnedtowardsnight,andreportedtheresultofhisinvestigations."IfollowedthefieldpathsouthofPawseyforthreemiles,"hesaid."Itwouldbeimpossibleforacartogothatway.Thetrackisnarrow,andtherearetwostiles.ItjoinstheLondon-LewesRoad,asyousuggested."

"AsIknew,"correctedSooper."Acarcouldn'tgetthatway,eh?I'dhavebeendisappointedifitcould."

Lattimeropenedhiseyes."Why,Ithoughtyouexpected—"

"I'd have beenmighty disappointed if a car could have got that way," saidSooper with satisfaction, and, as Lattimer turned to go: "That man Elson'sbetter,theytellme."

"Didn'tevenknowhewasill,"saidLattimerindifferently.

"I don't know whether delirium trimmings is illness or whether its justexperience,buthe'sbetter,"saidSooper."Youmightshootuptheretomorrowmornin'an'makeafewtenderinquiries.I'dsendhimflowers,onlyitseemspremature.And,Lattimer,Iwantyouatcourttomorrow."

"Verygood,sir."

Adjoining the police station was a small cottage, which was Sooper'shabitation. It possessed a microscopic garden, two bedrooms and a sitting-roomallononefloor,whilstatthebackofthehousewasalittlefield,whereinhispricelessBuffOrpingtonslivedonthefatofhisneighbours'land,fortheywere chronic trespassers, and seldomcamehome except to sleep.Suchwasthemagic ofSooper's name, however, that complaintswere few, thoughhisfeatheredbrigandsraidedcorn-fieldsandgardensforsustenance.Therewereother marauders, however, who respected neither Sooper nor his chickens.From the copse on the hill came brown, slinking shapes at nights—Sooperdiscovered the way the foxes came, and set a spring gun, with disastrousconsequences to the local hunt. It was a good spring gun, home-made butgood.

ItwasdarkwhenSooperwentouttothesmallshedwhereinhismotor-cyclewasstored.Hehadpromisedhimselfatighteningupofcertainboltsandthecleaningofacarburettor,andsometimeaftermidnightwashisfavouritehourforeffectingrepairs.

Thoughhiseyesightwasexcellent,heinvariablyguidedhimselftotheshedbythe simple process of putting up his hand and running his finger along theoverheadflexwhichconnectedthehousewiththeshed.Sooperwasnotaverygoodelectrician,andhehadfixedthelightingapparatusoftheshedsomewhatcrudely.

Whenheput uphis hand, he found, tohis surprise, that thewirehadgone.Stooping, he groped and found it trailing limply on the ground. There wasnothingremarkableaboutabrokenwire,exceptthat,whenSooperhadseenitinthedaylight, ithadstretchedtautly,andtherewasnomeansbywhichtheconnectioncouldhavebeendestroyed.

Sharplyhe turnedandwentback into thehouse,carrying the looseend,anddisconnectedtheplugthroughwhichthecurrentwassupplied.Underthelightofatablelamp,heexaminedtheflex.Ithadbeencut:hesawtheunmistakablepressuremarksofpliers.

"Dearme!"saidSoopermildly.

Iftherewasonethingmorecertainthananother,itwasthatnopracticaljokerdaredplayatrickonSooper.Thewirehadbeencutforagoodandsufficientreason,andtheobjectcouldnotbetohisadvantage.

Going intohisbedroom,hepulledabox fromunderhisbedand tookoutalarge and heavy Colt revolver, loaded it, and, after a search, discovered apolice torch. Thus armed, he returned to the yard, and with cat-like stepsmovedsilentlytowardsthehut.Nosoundbrokethestillnessofthenightsavethedistantsleepycackleofahen.Mentallyhereconnoitredtheposition.The

dangerlayinthehut.

Sooperhadfixedtheelectriclightinthehut,buthadforgottentheswitchuntiltheworkwas completed. In consequence, the switchwas outside, protectedfromtheweatherundertheeavesoftheroof.Thedoorwasneverfastened.Itwasasimplematter,bothtogainadmissiontotheyardandtoenterthehut.

Hewalkedcautiously forward, lightinghiswaywith the lamp,andhishandtouchedthelatchofthedoor.Keepingtooneside,hesuddenlyjerkedthedooropen. There was a deafening explosion, followed by the sound of breakingglass.

Whenthesmokeclearedaway,Sooperpeeredthroughthecrackof thedoor.Heknewthespringgun:itwashisown.Buthehadnotsetitonthefloorofthehut,withthebarrelpointingtowardsthedoor,norhadhefastenedthetripwirebyacordtothedoor.Whenhehadseenthatspringgunlastitwassomehundredsofyardsaway,cunninglyconcealedbetweentwobushes.

Heheardsomeonecallingandwentbacktothehouse,toadmitLattimer.

"Hullo!"hesaid."Thoughtyouwereinbed?"

"I heard an explosion: what was it? it was too near to be the trap gun."Lattimerwasunusuallyagitated.

"Comerightin,"saidSooper."Here'sanopportunityfortheyoungerschoolofdetectivestofiggeroutcausesandeffec's."

"Hasanydamagebeendone?"askedLattimerbreathlessly.

"Threepanesofglass smashed, twenty-fivehigh-classchickenswokeoutoftheirbeautysleep,butthat'saboutall."

Acloudofsmokehungintheheavyair,andthenotunpleasantsmellofburntgunpowderpervadedthecottage.

Lattimer followed his chief into the hut and inspected the spring gun, aprimitive arrangement, made all the more crude by Sooper's amateurworkmanship.

"Didyouleavetheguninthehut?"askedLattimer.

Soopermadeanimpatientclickingnoise.

"Certainly Idid,"he said sarcastically, "and tried to commit suicide.Sortofhobbyofmine."Helookedowlishlyatthereekingweaponandthenshookhishead.

"Gosh!he'sgettingscared!"hesaid.

"Who?"demandedLattimerquickly.

"Thefeller that laid this little trapforme.Plumbscared.I'llbethe's just thesickestdogformilesaround.HeknewI'dturnonthelightbeforeIopenedthedoor, and thought Imight see the gun in time, so he cut thewire.He's thecutest little thing, that Big Foot.Now I'll tell you sump'n', Sergeant: if thatmanElsonhadkeptinbed,thiswouldn'thavehappened.No,sir.Ifhe'dbeenputinastrait-jacketandtieddownsoashecouldn'tgowanderin'around,thatspringgunwouldberightupbythecovert."

"DoyouthinkElsondidthis?"

"No,sir,Idon't,"saidSooper,"andIneversaidso.Don'tgoputtin'wordsintomymouth that Ididn't use. Imerely remarked that if thatguyhadbeenputinto a padded cell, I shouldn't be in the position tomorrow of payin' goodmoneyfornewglass.Ithoughtyouwereinbed,Sergeant?"hesaidagain.

"No, I don't feel so tired as I did. I was walking up and down the roadsmoking,whenIheardtheshotfired.Thiscaseisgettingonmynerves."

"You're temp'ramental," said Sooper. He slouched back to the house, thesergeant just behind him. "Go sleep, my son. You'll lose all your prettycolour."

HewaitedtillLattimerhadgonebacktohisquarters,thenhereturnedtotheyardwithalamp,andbeganasystematicsearchofthegrounds.Therewereadozen ways by which his murderous-minded visitant might have securedadmission,buttracesofhisenemywerenon-existent.Thegroundwasdryandhardened.Theintruderhadleftnotrail.

"Imight have got one of thosewell-knownbloodhounds," saidSooper nextmorning,asheshaved."Mostalldetectivesusebloodhounds.I'dhavegotonemyself,onlyIdon'tknowonehoundfromanother."

"Do you think," asked Lattimer, "that somebody put the gun therewith theintentionofkillingyou?Itmayhavebeenajoke."

"Itdoesn'ttakealottomakemelaugh,"saidSooper,screwinguphisfaceastherazorraspedroundhischin,"butthatsortofjokewouldn'tgetasingleha-hafromme,notinamillionyears.Ortenmillions,"headded.

"Wheredidyouseethegunlast?"

"At the far end of the field, near the hawthorn bushes. I put it there todiscourage fox huntin'. Suppose I'd opened that doorwithout knowin',whatwouldpeoplehavesaid?They'dhavesaid: 'ThatoldfoolSooperputthegunback in the shed an' forgot itwas there.'Verdict of accidental death,with avoteofconsolationforthewidder,which,asI'mnotmarried,wouldhavebeensuperfl'us. Can't understand where juries get that sentimental stuff. There'dhavebeena three-linepar in thedailies,maybe four.Andpossiblya lineor

two in the back-chat gossip. Lattimer, when I pass out at the hands ofmiscr'antsandroughnecks,Iwantacolumn,withapitcher.IknowwhatI'mentitledto.WhenIthinkaboutthedirtydogwhoputthatgunintheshed,Igetall flushed and hectic. The explosion might have done fearful harm to mymachine. As it is, the paint around the handle-bars is all cockled up andblistered.I'llhavetoputanewcoatonFirefly—howdoesadeeporangestrikeyou,Sergeant?"

"Allofaheap,"saidLattimer.

Sooper stropped his razorwith a far-away look in his eyes. "Elson's better.He'llbewalkin'aboutthegroundstonight.I'vephonedthewardepartmenttosendmeatank.Atleast,Ihaven't,butI'mthinkin'ofdoingso."

Jim Ferraby, who was one of the witnesses at the inquest, had arranged tobringhiscartopickupSooperandLattimeronhiswaytoPawsey.Hefoundthe oldman in a very agreeable, even jocular, frame ofmind, and certainlycouldnothaveguessedfromhisdemeanourhownarrowanescapefromdeathhehadhadin theearlyhoursof themorning.WhilsthewaswaitingoutsidethestationforSoopertodeliveroneofhiseleventh-hourorationstotheofficerinchargeofthestation,hesawCardew'smachinepassandthelawyerstoppedthecar.

"No, thank you, I've arranged to drive Sooper to Pawsey." said Jim to thekindlyinvitation.

Cardewsmiledgrimly."Ihopetohavethepleasureofdrivinghimback,"hesaid. "I believe I can give him a definite line as to how the murder wascommitted.ItcametomeinthenightwhenIwashalfasleep,andthemoreIthink of it themore certain I am that I've found the true solution for whatseemedan inexplicablemystery.What ismore,"hewenton impressively,"Ihave turned up a case almost parallel—the Starkie murder which wascommittedin1769,andwhichwasfullyreportedinoneoftheoldcalendars.ItappearsthatamannamedStarkie..."

ButJimhadneitherthetimenorthewishtolistentothedetailsofahundred-and-forty-year-old murder, and excused himself as Sooper appeared on thestationstep,pullingonthesecondofapairofgloveswhichweresopatentlymisalliedthatJimattributedthequeereffecttoSooper'sabsent-mindedness.

"Oneisn'tasbadastheother,"saidSooper,ashesettledhimselfbyJim'ssideandstretchedhislegsluxuriously."Ialwayslosethelefthandofmygloves—wondernobodyeverthoughtofsellingglovessingly;there'dbeafortuneinit.TheregoesoldCardewinacloudofdust,hismindfilledwithhypothesesandconjectures!He'sgotwhattheycallalegalmind—inotherwords,hecan'tseestraight."

"He has a theory to expound to you," said Jim, as the car, gathering speed,rapidlyoverhauledtheslowerlimousineinfront.

"Ishouldsayhehad,"saidSoopercomfortably.

"Itcametohiminthemiddleofthenight."

"Too ashamed to be seen around in the daytime," said Sooper. "Gosh! Iwouldn'thavethatman'smindfortenmillionpounds!It'sfullofatmospherics—aterm,"heexplained, 'that I'vepickedupfromstudying thewireless.No,sir,Icantellyouinadvancewhathisthe'ry'sgain' tobe—hewon'thavethenervetopullthatsecretcellarstuffonme.Histhe'ryisthatHannahShawwasmurderedbyMissLeigh."

"What!" almost shouted Jim, and in his agitation he sent the car swervingacrosstheroad.

"Forgive me if I holler," said Sooper, who did not indicate any desire to'holler'."Mynervesarenotwhattheyusedtobe.Butthat'shisthe'ry,I'llbet!Miss Leigh met Hannah Shaw—didn't she wire for her?—that there was aquarrel, and thatMiss Leigh shot her, got out of the house and locked thedoor."

"Butthat'spreposterous!"

"Of course it's preposterous," said Sooper cheerfully, "but that's the kind ofthe'rythatahighlyromanticmanlikeMr.Cardewwouldget."

"Heneverstruckmeasromantic,"smiledJim,as,withawarningblarefromtheelectrichorn,hesweptpastthesubjectoftheirdiscussion.

"He's romantic," saidSooper; "otherwise,what doeshe read all thesebooksaboutanthr'pologyfor?Ifthere'sanythin'moreromanticthandeduction,showmetoit!"

Alittlelaterhementionedcasually,asitwereamatterofnogreatimportance,theincidentofthespringgun.

"Scaredmeabit.ButnotsomuchasthepricethatwindowmanIsaacsasksforputtin'innewglass.Hesaysthere'saglasstrust,andallthepricesareup.Hewaslyinglikelyenough:Isaacscouldn'ttellthetruthtoaRabbi."

Helookedbackoverhisshoulder.Mr.Cardew'smachinewasalongdistanceaway.

"Whenaprofessionalmangetsthefeverforpublicityheneverknowswhereto stop.There'll be pitchers of him in all the papers tomorrow, and none ofthese newspapermenwill askme asmuch as to smile. Personally, I like toworkwithoutpublicity.I'moneofthestrongsilenttypesthatyoureadaboutinbooks.Evernoticedthat?"

"No,"saidJimtruthfully.

"It'safact,"saidSooper."Ihideawayfromthesereportinglizards.TheSurreyCometoncesaid: 'SuperintendentMinter likes towork in thedark'—I'vegotsixcopiesofthatpaper;I'llshowittoyouoneofthesedays."

Sooper's modesty was not very apparent when they reached the TownHallwhere the inquestwas to be held, for Jimnoticed that he instantly attachedhimself to the largest group of reporters, and soon after disappeared at theheadof thegang in thedirectionof theRoyalHotel.Thegroup returned intimefor theopeningofthecourt,andSooperjustifiedhimself."I justsetuponeroundfortheboys.Ididn'twant'emtomentionme,soIthoughtI'dbettertell'emso.Nothin'likegettin'ontherightsideofthePressifyouwanttokeepyournameoutofthepapers."

Itwasratherremarkable,Jimnotedthatevening,whenhewasskimmingthereportof the inquest, that, in spiteofSooper'sprecautions, everynewspapernot onlymentionedhimbyname, but had amost flattering reference to hisperspicuity,hisgeniusandhismanyadmirablequalities.

The proceedingswere longer than Jim anticipated. Sooper's evidencewas amarvelorcondensation,butittooksomeconsiderabletimetogive.Hehimselfwason thestand forhalfanhour,whilstCardew'sevidence tookanhour tohear,anditwaswellintotheafternoonbeforethecourtagainadjourned.

"Didyouhear that fellerCardewgivin' evidence?" askedSooper bitterly. "Iknew he'd drag in measurements—he did it to spite me. When that foolcoroner thankedhim forhisveryvaluabledata,healmostbusthimselfwithpride."

Theyhad teaat thehotelbefore theybegan their journeyback to town,andMr.Cardew,uninvited,joinedthem,thoughhemighthaveknown,bythesteelin Sooper's eyes, that it was neither the moment nor the opportunity forexposinghishypothesis.Jimtried toswitchhimon toa fresh track,butMr.Cardewwouldnotbedenied.

"ImentionedtoFerrabythismorning,Superintendent,thatI'dhituponwhatIfeelisthesolutionofthisremarkablemystery."

"Listen to this, Lattimer," said Sooper, with ominous politeness. "A youngofficercan'tknowtoomuch.Andwhenyougetagen'lemanlikeMr.Cardewpullin'out the'ries,youought to listen. Itmaybeaneducation.Ontheotherhanditmaynot.Younevercantell.Situpan'listen!"

ButLattimerhadneedednosuchinjunction:hewaslisteningintently.

"AsIunderstandtheevidence,"Mr.Cardewbegan,"youthreegentlemenwereconcealed on the beach roadwhen poorHannahmade her appearance.You

sawherasshepassedsilhouettedagainstthesky;younoticedherhatandherfigure;sawherstopbeforethedoor.Youdidnotseehergetout."

"Perfectlytrue,"murmuredSooper."That'sabitofdeductionyououghttobeproudof."

"Well,yousaidyoudidn'tseehergetout,"saidtheothergood-humouredly."And if you did not see her get out, you did not see the man who wasconcealed in thebackof the car, crouchingdown to escapeobservation.HehadprobablyjumpedontothecarunknowntoHannah,and,waitinguntilshehadopenedthedoor,sprungonher,silencedhercries,anddraggedherinside.Thelockedkitchenalmostprovesthathewasusingthatplaceasaprison."

"Thedoorshutbehindhim—Ihearditslam,"saidSooperwearily.

"He could have closed it with his foot," was the quick response. "Whathappened in thekitchenwe shall neverknow. It is certain that theyhadnotbeen therevery longbefore thismurderous scoundrel shot thepoorwoman.Whatdidhedothen?"

"Ah!whatdidhedo?"askedSooper.

Cardew looked at him face to face. "He put on her coat and hat," he saidslowly, "cameoutof thedoor, lockedandpadlocked it,got into thecar andswitched on the lights. You say they were on for a few seconds and thenturnedoff,andthereasonisobvious:whenheputonthelightstheywouldfallupon the wall immediately in front of the headlamps, and light would bereflected back and would reveal to any person who happened to be withinsightthefactthatitwasnotawomanbutaman,inspiteofthewoman'shathewaswearing."

Sooperwassilent.

"Hethenturnedthecaruptheroad,"Cardewwenton,evidentlyenjoyingthemild sensationhehadcreated, "came to the topof the cliff, threwaway thecoatandhat,andmadehiswayonfoottowhereacarwaswaiting—probablyasmallcar,easilyconcealed."

Sooperwasstaringblanklyatthelawyer.

"That'soneofthemostremarkablethe'riesI'veeverheard,"hesaidatlast,andJimknewthathewasnotbeingsarcastic.Hiseyeswerewideopen,hisuglymouthgaped;hisverymoustache seemed tobristle. "That'soneof themostremarkablethe'riesI'veeverheard!Bygosh,you'reright!"

There was a dead silence. Then Sooper rose slowly and extended his hugehandandgraspedCardew's.

"Thankyou,"hesaidsimply.

NotaworddidSooperspeakon the journeyfromPawsey tohisstation.HedeclinedJim'sinvitationtositbyhisside,andhuddledhimselfupinthebackwith Lattimer, and only once on the journey did Jim hear him somuch asgrunt.Atpartinghebrokehissilence.

"I'mtakingbackalotIsaidaboutCardew—notall,butalot,"hesaidsoberly."Ineverthoughtlawyersofthatkindhadmuchuseexcepttowriteletterstopeoplewhohaven'tpaidthecoalbill.ButthatCardew'sdonesump'n'thatnoother feller coulddo,Mr.Ferraby."Hepokedhis long finger in Jim's chest."He's givenme confidence inmyself!He's shownme that I'm cleverer thanhim,andamanthatcandothatiswhatImighttermapublicbenefactor."

"Butinwhatwayareyouclevererthanhe?"askedJiminamazement.

"Hedidn'tmentionBigFoot.NowI"—he tappedhimself in turn—"IknowwhoBigFootis!KnowhimaswellasIknowLattimer."Heglaredroundatthesergeant."AndIknowitwithout the'ries,deductions,hypotheses,oranyotherbook stuff.Fordays I'vehadBigFoot inmyoffice. I could introduceyoutoBigFootjustwhenIlike."

"Themurderer?"

Soopernodded."BigFootwascertainlythemurderer."

"Andhecameinthroughthebackdoorofthebungalow?"

Sooper nodded again. "Yes, sir; he carne in various ways, but he certainlycameinbythebackdoorofthebungalow."

Jimwasbewildered."ButdidHannahShawknowhim?"

"No,sir,HannahShawneverheardthemfeetofhis,neversawthem.ShewasdeadbeforeBigFootcame."

"But,Sooper,yousaidshewasmurderedbyhim?"

"Soshewas,"saidSooper,turningtoenterthestation."The'rizeonthat,son.And,Sergeant,getmeaneveningpaper;Iwanttoseewhatthosestenographiccriminalshavebeensayin'aboutme."

XVIII. THEPASTRY

TheprivilegewhichhadbeenexclusivelyenjoyedbySooperwasextendedtoJim.HewaspermittedtostayhalfanhourinElfaLeigh'slittlefiat,andhearthelatestreportonherfather.

"Theywould not letme stay the night at the nursing home," she said, "and

perhaps theyarewise.He isquitecheerfulandhappy inhisway,andreallymosttractable.Itallseemslikeadreamtome,apleasantandyetunpleasantdream.Itisdreadfultothinkofthoseyearswhenhewaswanderingaboutthecountry,withoutanybodytocareforhim."

Jimhadalsoseenthegreatsurgeon;thedateoftheoperationhadbeenfixed.Thedoctorandhisassistantwerehopefuloftheresultandhadrecitedaverycheeringlistofsimilarcasesthathadmadegoodrecoveries.

"No,I'mnotworriedabouttheoperation,"shesaidquietly,whenheaskedher."I'mnot reallyworriedatall,because theEmbassyaredoingeverything forhim. They have been most sympathetic and kind, and have offered me anincomeuntilherecovers,sothatthere'sreallynonecessityformygoingbacktoMr.Cardewatall."

"HaveyouheardfromCardew?"

"Yes,he telephoned ine thismorning," she said. "Hewasawfullykind,butveryvague.IhadtheimpressionthatheissoabsorbedintheproblemofpoorMissShaw'sdeaththathereallycannotbringhismindtobearonmyaffairs.Heisratheradear."

"Who—Cardew?"Jimsmiled."Iknowonemanwhodoesn'tshareyourview."

"Sooper?Of course!But then,Sooper is a lawuntohimself, forone cannotimagineSooper—howeasilyonefallsintothehabitofusingthatnickname!—holdingviewsremotelyresemblingordinarypeople's!Heisadeartoo.Ishereallyastoughasheseems—hetalkssoqueerly?"

"Sooper is one of the oldest officers in the force," said Jim. "I could neverquitemakeupmymindwhetherhiseducationisasdeficientashepretends.Butthen,Sooperhassomanyposesthatitisdifficulttokeeptrackofthem..."

The telephonebell rangat thatmoment, and thegirl tookup the instrumentandlistened,withagatheringfrown.

"No, I sent nothing...yes, I'm sure. Please don't give it to him. I will comeround."

Sheputdowntheinstrument,andherfaceworeanairofconcern.

"Ican'tunderstandit,"shesaid."Thematronofthenursinghomecalledmeupto ask if I had sent a small cherrypie formy father.Of course I haven't.Amessengerbroughtit,withanotesupposedtohavecomefromme."

Jimwhistled.

"Thatsoundsqueer,"hesaid.

When the girl went hurriedly into the room to dress, he bethought him of

Sooper,andinamomentofinspirationcalledthatgentlemanonthephone.Bygreat good fortune, Sooperwaswithin a few feet of the instrumentwhen itrang,and listenedwithoutcommentwhilstJimtoldhimof thecall fromthenursinghome.

"Tell'emtoholdthatpieuntilIcome.Andafteryou'veseenMissLeightoherapartments, wait for me outside the nursing home. If you see an officiousyoungmanwho'sinterestedinyourloafingaround,mentionmyname."

ItwasthefirstintimationJimhadhadthatthehomewasbeingwatched.

When they arrived at the place where the sick man was lying, they wereadmittedtothematron'sprivateroom.Onthecentreofthetable,wrappedingrease-proofpaper,wasthesuspiciousconfectionery.

"Ididn'tliketogivehimanyuntilIwasabsolutelysureyouhadsentit,"saidthematron."Mr.Minterwasveryemphaticonthatpoint."

"Didyousaytherewasaletter?"

Thematrongaveheranenvelope.Atthefirstglanceatthesuperscription,Elfasaid:"Thisisnotmywriting.".

Nor was the brief note inside. It was on plain paper, her address in CubittStreetbeingwrittenatthetop,andwasabriefrequestthatthepastrymightbegiventoherfather.

"Doyouknowthewriting?"askedJim.

Sheshookherhead."Ihaveneverseenitbefore,"shesaid."Butwhysendthepieatall?Isit—ohno,thatcan'tpossiblybe."Herfacewentwhite.

"Probablysomewell-meaningfriend,"Jimendeavouredtosootheher.

"But whowould wish to harm father?" she asked. She looked down at theinnocent-lookingpastryfearfully.

"WhatamItodowiththis?"askedthematron.

"Keepit,please,"saidJimquickly.Heglancedsignificantlyatthegirl,andthewomanunderstood.

Thoughhemadelightoftheincident,Elfahadnodoubtinhermindastoitssignificance.

"IheardyoutelephoningMr.Minter,"shesaid,as theyweredrivingbacktoCubittStreet."Ishecomingtotown?"

"He'llbetherewhenIgetback.You'renottoworryaboutthis,Elfa."

She noticed themore intimate termof address; it seemed very right that heshouldcallher'Elfa'.

"Thereissomuchbehindmyfather'sabsencethatisinexplicable,thatIdon'tthink I'll try to disentangle the skein," she said, with a hopeless gesture. "Ishan'tgotobedjustyet.Willyoutelephonemeifanythingisdiscovered?"

With this assurance he left her and returned to take up his post outside thenursinghome.AsSooperanticipated,nosoonerhadhepausedbythedoorwaythanoutofthedarknessfromtheoppositesideoftheroadappearedastranger,who,withoutpreliminary,askedhimhisbusiness.NorwasJim'sexplanationtooreadilyaccepted,forthedetectiveisbynaturesceptical.Fortunately,inthemiddleof theargument therecame, fromthedirectionofCavendishSquare,the sound of a machine-gun being fired at irregular intervals and a fewsecondslaterSooper,onhisloudmachine,cameintoview.

"HitheruptofortyonBarnesCommon,"saidSooperwithillegalsatisfaction."Trafficcoptriedtostopmeattherailwaycross-roads,buthemightaswellhave tried to take two big handfuls of a flash of lightnin'." Propping themachineagainst thekerb, theywent into thehouse,and thepiewasbroughtoutforhisexamination.

"Yes,itlooksgood,"saidSooper."I'lltakeitaway,ifyoudon'tmind,miss.Isuppose you couldn't remember what station the district messenger camefrom?"

"IthinkitwasfromTrafalgarSquare,"saidthematron."Infact,I'msure."

Theystoppedonlylongenoughtodepositthepastryatthepolicestation,withinstructionsthatitshouldbesentinasealedjartothepublicanalystthefirstthinginthemorning,andwentontointerviewthemessenger.JimpersuadedSooper to leavehisalarmingvehicleat thepolicestation,and itwasby taxithattheytravelledtoTrafalgarSquare.

Therewasnodifficultyinconfirmingthematron'sstory.Theparcelcontainingthe pie had been left apparently by a nondescript individual, who wasevidentlyamessengeroftherealsender.

"A loaferpickedup in the streets for a fewpence," saidSooper. "We shan'tfindhimwithoutadvertisin',andthen,withthenaturalcunnin'ofthecriminalclasses,he'llnotturnup."

"Hemaynotbeamemberofthecriminalclasses."

"He'saloafer,an'allloafersarecriminals,"saidSooper,whohadaweaknessforsweepinggeneralities.

He came out into Trafalgar Square and stood on the side of the kerb,contemplating Nelson's Monument thoughtfully. "Wish I could run acrossLattimer.He'sintownsomewhereandhe'stheveryfellertoputontotrailthisloafer—Lattimerhasgotanaturalaffinityforpeoplewhowon'twork.I'llhave

toreportthistotheYard,andIhatedoin'it,"hesaid."Thatlong-nosedDeputywillprobablyputanotherfellerintothecase,andthatwillgetmeallwrong."

With seeming reluctance hewent downWhitehall, and had the satisfaction,when he got to theYard, of discovering no one of sufficient importance ondutytotakethecaseoutofhishands,yetonehavingenoughauthoritytodealimmediatelywiththeinquiry.

Therewaslittletotell,yetJimtelephonedtothegirl,relatingtheresultsoftheinvestigations.

"Doyouthinkitwaspoisoned?"sheasked.

"Sooper isn't sure.Weshallknowforcertain tomorrow." Ithurthim toheartheanxietyinhervoice.

WhenherejoinedSooper,thatgeniusmadeastrangeconfession."GotanideaI'dliketogobackincomfort.Where'sthatoldbusofyours?"

"Mycarisgaragedquiteclosehere,andI'lltakeyoudownwithpleasure.ButIthoughtyouwereweddedtoyourinfernalwhizz-bang."

"I'mscarcelywedded,"Soopersaid.

JimwentoffinataxitothegarageandpickedupSooperatthepolicestation.The oldman had the cycle waiting, and lifted it on to the back of the car."Queerhowideascometoyou, isn't it?LikeMr.Cardew's, in themiddleofthe night. I've just had an idea thatmademe feel very joyful."He refused,however,tosharehisjoywithJim.

Therunbackwasquickandeventless. "Come inside,"saidSooper."Iwon'tkeepyouaminute.Maybethere'saspotofnews."

Newstherewas;thedesksergeantreportedthathehadreceivedavisitfromamotor-cyclist.

"He says that somebody fired two shots at him on the road a mile out oftown,"hesaid,andSoopersighedhappily,"Theydidn'thithim,eh?Iguesstheymisjudgedtheratehewastravelling.He'sprobablyoneofthesedriverswhocan'tgetmore than twenty-fiveoutofhismachine.Now, if I'dbeenonFirefly,doingmyforty,they'dhavegotmesure."

"You!"gaspedJim."Weretheyshootingatyou?"

"Youbettheywereshootingatme,"saidSoopercalmly."YoutalkaboutmybeingweddedtoFirefly—that's justwhatIwant tobe. I'dhate toknowthatFireflywasawidder."

Jim understood now why Sooper had seemed anxious to return by car.Supposingthat theexplosionofthepreviousnighthadnotbeenanaccident,

and that his life had been attempted, he would be an easy mark for anambuscade, The noise of his strange machine could be heard for miles (itafterwardsappeared that thecyclistwhohadbeenfiredatwasalsoastrideaparticularlythunderousengine)."Ishouldn'tbesurprisedatanythin'happenin'now," said Sooper philosophically. "But they've got to be quick. Lattimerback?"

"No,sir,"saidthestationsergeant,"he'sintown."

Butherehesaid thatwhichwasnot true.At that identicalmomentLattimerwas sitting on a fence between twohigh bushes on the dreariest part of theLondonroad,alargeautomaticpistolinhishandandaveryresentfulfeelingtowardshischiefinhisheart.ForhehadnotseenSooperpass.

XIX. SMOKEFROMHILLBROW

ItseemedthemostnaturalthingintheworldtoJimFerrabythatheshouldcallatCubittStreetinthemorning,waittillthegirlcamedown,anddriveherthealltooshortdistancewhichseparatedCubittStreetfromWeymouthStreet.Hehadnottheexcusethatitwasonhisway;itwas,infact,somuchoutofhiswaythatitdoubledhisjourney.Thisaspectofhisservicewaspointedouttohimonthefirstmorning,andwasemphasizedatnightwhenhecalledforheratWeymouthStreet.Mr.Leighhadhadagoodday,sleepingmostofthetime.

Thenursereportedthatitwasinthenightthathewasmostwakeful.

"Hemusthavegotintothehabitofsleepingbydayandmovingaboutinthedark," she said. "I have an idea that he recognized me this afternoon. Helooked in such a puzzled way, as if he was trying to recall something orsomebody.JustbeforeIcameoutheaskedmeifIcouldnottakehimtothesea.Hesaidhewantedtolookafter'three'and'four'.Accordingtothematronhemadethesamerequesttoherlastnight.Whoare'three'and'four'?"

Jimshookhishead."ImustpassthatpieceofinformationtoSooper.Didyouseethedoctor?"

Shehadinterviewedthesurgeon,andtheoperationwasfixedforSaturday.HehadmadecertaintestsandwassatisfiedthatLeighcouldberestoredtonormalhealth.

Her first question thatmorningwas about the pastry and Jim had answeredglibly that the analyst had discovered no sign of poison. She did not seemconvinced.OnthewaybacktoCubittStreetsheaskedagain.

"IgotthroughtoSooper,andhetoldmethattherewasnopoison,"heassured

her,butElfaLeigh'sscepticismwasnotdispelled.

"Ihavebeenwonderingtodaywhetherfatherwitnessedthemurder,orknewthemurderer,"shesaid."AtlunchtimetodayIwenttoKing'sBenchWalkandsawMr.Cardew, andhe is quite certain that, if an attemptwas reallymadeuponfatherlastnight,itwasbecausehehadseenthingshappenatthecottage.Daddy lived in a cave within view of Beach Cottage, you know that, ofcourse?Sooper toldmethismorning that thecavehadbeenexploredby thepolice,andthere'sproofthathemusthavebeenlivingthereforyears.Heusedtolethimselfdowntheclifffacebyaropeladderatnightandclimbupbeforedaybreak, pulling the ladder after him. It was so white with chalk thatMr.Mintersaiditcouldhaveescapednotice,eveninthedaytime."

"You'veseenSooper,then?"

Sooper had apparentlymade a very brief call atWeymouth Street, butwithsomeskillhadavoideddiscussingtheanalyst'sreportonthepastry.

AfterJimdroppedheratthedoorofherfiat,helingeredawhile,waitingtheinvitationtoenter.

"I'mgoingtobeinhospitableandletyougohomewithoutacupoftea,"shesaid."I'msoawfullytired."Againheurgedtherecuperativevalueofteainthepark,withaGuards'bandplaying.Shedidnotevengrantthatrequest.

"Iwish itwasallover," shesaid. "Ihavea feeling...suchahorrid feelingofdanger...asthoughsomethingterriblewasgoingtohappen."

"You sound as if you were a perfect subject for tea in the park," said Jimenticingly,butshesmiledherfarewellandthedoorcloseduponher.

Jimwasatalooseend.Hehadkepthimselffreefortheevening,andthoughtherewasworkwaiting for him at home, the very thought of it produced akind ofmental nausea. Itwas a fine evening; he did not feel inclined for asolitary dinner, and mechanically he turned his car westward. His firstinclination was to visit Sooper, but when he arrived he found that worthygentleman had gone away to an unknown destination. Even Lattimer wasinvisible.JimsentthecarupthehilltoBarleyStack,andhadthesatisfactionofsurprising theamateurcriminologist,whowaspacinghis lawn,hishandsclaspedbehindhim,hishighforeheadcorrugatedinthought.

Atthesoundofthewhiningengineheturnedandwavedacheeryhand.

"IfthereisonemanIwantedtomeettonight,thatmanisyou,thoughIhavenoparticularreasonexcept...well,IsupposeI'msufferingfromthereactionofpoorHannah'sdeath.ItstillseemssounrealthateveryminuteIexpecttohearher domineering voice"—he hesitated—"I don't want to be unkind...poorHannah!"Hesighedheavily."Theservants,Iamsorrytosay,donotshowthe

amountofsorrowonewouldhaveexpectedforahardtask-mistress.Hannahwashard, but then, therewas a lot ofgood inher that nobodyunderstood."Theyhadwalkedtothefarendofthelawn,alongthesmallergrassplotthatran at right angles, and fromhere theyhadaviewofHillBrow.Therewassomethingsinisteraboutthatgreatredhouse,Jimthought.Andthenheheardanexclamationfromhiscompanion.

"Itisratherawarmeveningforfires,isn'tit?"heasked.

From one of the tall pseudo-Elizabethan chimneys, a cloud ofwhite smokewasdrifting.

"Ihappentoknow,"saidMr.Cardewslowly,"thatthatchimneyconnectswithElson'sfurnace.Nowwhyonearthhashelithisfurnaceonanightlikethis?"

The twomen stood in silence,watching the strangephenomenon.Evidentlythefurnacewasbeingveryincessantlyfed,forthesmokedidnotdiminishinvolume."Perhapstheyareburninggardenrefuse,"suggestedJim.

Mr.Cardewshookhishead.

"Thereisanincineratorinthegroundsforthatpurpose.Besides,atthistimeoftheyeareverythingissogreen,andtheleaveshavenotbeguntofall."

Jimwatchedthechimney,notquitecertaininhismindwhetherthespectaclewasasremarkableasthelawyerthought."Hemaybemakingaclearanceofoldpapers,"hesuggested."Ihavethatkindofurgeonceayear,andIneverstoptoconsiderwhetheritisappropriateweather."

Mr. Cardew smiledmysteriously. "I do not know our friend very well," hesaid,"butheneverstruckmeasbeingamanwithatidymind—Iwonderwhatheisburning?"

Helookedroundandsummonedthesurly-facedgardenerwhomJimhadseenonanearliervisit.

"IwantyoutotakeanoteovertoMr.Elson,"hesaid,anddisappearedintothehousetowriteit.

Whenthemanhadgoneonhiserrand,Cardewexplainedhissubtlescheme.

"I'veaskedElsontocomeovertodinnertomorrow,"hesaid."NotthatIwanthim!But I have an idea,whenFrederickgets toHillBrow,he'll findElsonaloneinthehouse."

"Whichwillprove...?"askedJim.

"Itwill prove nothing, except that for some very pressing reasonElson hassent away his servants whilst he indulges in this orgy of burning," saidCardew."AndnowIwouldliketoshowyousomethingveryinteresting."

Jimfollowedhimtothestudy,andheguessedwhatthe'something'was,whenhesawabulkyobjectonthelibrarytable.Itwascoveredwithsheetsofpaper,andtheseMr.Cardewremoved,revealingaperfectmodelofBeachCottage.

"I had it constructedby amodel-maker in twenty-four hours," he said,withpardonablepride."Theroofcomesoff"—helifteditashespoke,revealingthetinyroomsbeneath.

"Themandidn'tgetthecolouring,butthatisunimportant;andIhavehadtorely upon my memory for the position of the various articles of furniture.This,"saidMr.Cardew, indicatingaspacewithapenholder, "is thekitchen.Themodelisdrawntoscale;youwillobservetheboltsonthebackdoor.Andhereistheservery."Heslippedbackatinypanel,andshowedtheconnectionbetweenkitchenanddining-room. "Now,here is a remarkable fact,"he saidimpressively;"fromthe timeHannahShawwent into thehouseuntil she,orsomebodyelse,cameout,isconsiderablylessthanfiveminutes.Itisclearthatsheortheywentimmediatelyintothekitchen—why?"

"Togettheletter,"saidJim,andCardewgapedathim.

"Theletter!"hesqueaked."Whatdoyoumeanbyletter?"

"TherewasaletteraddressedtothecoronerofWestSussex;Sooperfoundtheenvelopeandaloosebrickinthekitchenimmediatelyunderthetable,wherethisdocumenthadevidentlybeenconcealed."

Mr.Cardew'sdistresswascomical."Aletter?"hesaid."Thatdidn'tcomeoutattheinquest.Thisupsetsmytheorytoaveryconsiderableextent.Iwishtoheaventhatoldmanwouldn'tbesoinfernallyreticent!"

"Iprobablyshouldn'thavetoldyouabouttheenvelopeatall,"saidJim.

Mr.Cardewsatdown,eyeing themodelgloomily."Itmayfit in,"hesaidatlast,butsomeoftheconfidencehadgonefromhistone."Ididnotallowforthere being another motive for the murder," he said. "The envelope wasaddressedtothecoroner;isitsuggestedthatthiswasacaseofsuicide?"

"Even Sooper wouldn't suggest that," smiled Jim. He was already blaminghimselfforbetrayingSooper'smysterytotherival.

"Itisaqueerthingthattheideaofsuicideoccurredtome,butthen,ofcourse,noweaponwasfound,andthatmakesitimpossible."

"Addedtowhich, thedoorswere lockedon theoutside,"suggestedJim,andCardewnodded.

"Yes,I'vegottostartalloveragain.ButI'mdeterminedtofindanexplanation.IrespectSuperintendentMinter,whoworksonwhatIwoulddescribeas theruleofthumbmethod,whichcertainlydoesproduceroughlygoodresults.But

Iamconvincedthatthisisnotacasewheretheruleofthumbsystemcanbesuccessfullyapplied."

He took a folder from his cabinet and turned over the leaves, and Jimwasamazedattheindustryofthisinvestigator.Onepagewascoveredwithtimesandmeasurements.Onanotherwasaroughplanofthesea-frontcoveredwithlines which indicated the height of the tide at certain hours. There wereinnumerable unmounted photographs, showing the cottage from variousangles.YetanotherwasasurveymapofSussex,overwhichMr.CardewhadscrawledinredinkwhatJimsupposedwerepossibleroutesofescapewhichthemurderermighthavetaken.Theywereexaminingthiswhenthegardenerreturned.

"IgaveMr.Elsonyournote,sir,"hesaid.

"Didheanswerthedoorhimself?"demandedCardeweagerly.

"Yes,sir;itwasfiveminutesbeforehecameup.Ithinktheservantsmustbeout."

Cardewleantbackinhischairwithasmile."Howwashedressed,Frederick?Tellmethat.AnddidyounoticewhetherMr.Elson'sfaceandhandswere—er—normal?"

"Normal"wasawordoutside thegardener'svocabulary. "Theywereblack,"he said. "Looked as if he'd been sweeping the flues. He only had on histrousersandshirt,andhelookedveryhottome."

Mr.Cardewsmiledagain."Thankyou,Frederick,"hesaid,and,whenthedoorclosed,hiseyesmetJim's.

"Thereissomethingdoing,"hesaid."Iwassureofit!AndinhowfarishisrecentcuriousbehaviourconnectedwithpoorHannah'sdeath?Remember,"hewavedthepenholderatJim,"thatheknewHannah,andhadmethersecretly.Iknowfromservants'gossipwhichhascometomesinceherdeaththatshewasafrequentvisitortoHillBrow.NowthisisafactthatsincethattragedyElsonhasnotbeensober.Hedrankheavilybefore,butnowhehasthrownasideallrestraint. Two of themaids left yesterday, and his valet is leaving him thisweek.Hewandersaboutthehouseatnight,andhashadmorethanonefitofscreamingterror."

Heroseandreplacedtheroofof themodel,coveringitcarefullywithpaper."Hithertomyinvestigationshavebeenintheregionoftheabstract.Iwillnowventureintoanewfield,forwhichneithermyyearsnormyphysiquequalifyme."

"Inotherwords?"saidJim.

"Inotherwords,IamgoingtofindoutthesecretthatHillBrowholds,"said

Mr.Cardew.

XX. THEWARNING

Sergeant Lattimer waited for darkness to fall before he strolled out of hislodgings and, takinga circuitousbut secluded route,madehis leisurelywaytowardstheAmerican'shome.

He did not enter by the front gate but found a gap in the hedge, familiarenoughtohim,and,penetratingathicket,cametothelittlegreengateinthewall. This timeMr. Elsonwas not there tomeet him, norwas his presencenecessary.

Lattimer fitted a key, passed through the door, closed and locked it behindhim, and, after a brief reconnaissance, walked noiselessly across the graveldrivetothefrontdoor.Hedidnotknock.Hehadcertainworktodo,andthisheperformedrapidly.

From his pocket he took a sheet of white paper; the back of which wasevidentlygummed,forwhenhelickedandpressedittothecentrepanelofthedoor,itadhered.Thisdone,hehalf-circledthehouse,and,comingtoapairoffrenchwindowswhich opened on to the lawn, he tapped gently. For a timetherewasnoresponse,andheknockedagain,andheardthecreakofachair,saw theheavy curtainspulled aside, andElson's frightened facepeeringoutintothedarkness.

"You,isit?"growledtheman.

"Me," said the other laconically. "And you can put your gun back in yourpocket;nobodyisgoingtohurtyou."

Hepulledthecurtainscloseafterhim,and,droppingintoachair,reachedouthishandmechanicallytotheopencigarbox.

"Sooper'sgonetotown,"hesaid.

"HecangotohellsofarasI'mconcerned,"snarledtheother.Themarkofhisheavydrinkingwasvisible;his facewasscarcely recognizable to thosewhohadseenhimaweekbefore;hishandswereshaking,hislooselipquiveredattheslightestprovocation.

"Idaresay...Sooperwouldgotomostplacesifhecouldgetagoodkilling."

"He'dbetterbecareful..."beganthemaninaloudvoice,butLattimer'sraisedhandandpainedexpressionsilencedhim.

"There'snothingtoshoutabout."

"He'sgotnothingonme."

"Maybehe thinkshehas,"saidLattimer,bitingoff theendof thecigarwithhis strong teeth. "Younever knowwhat's at the backofSooper'smind. I'vebeenwonderingifhesuspectsme.HegavemealonglecturethismorningontheadvantageofturningState'sevidence.Hesaidhe'dgoalongwaytohelpanymemberofagangwhowaspreparedtospillit."

Elsonlickedhislips."Idon'tseehowthataffectsyouorme..."hebegan.

"Don'tletusslideintopersonalities,"saidLattimerlazily."I'lltakeonesmallnipatthewhisky;it'llbeallthelessforyou—beenhavingabonfiretonight?"

"Me?Whatdoyoumean?"

"I sawyouroldchimneysmoking. It seemsaprettywarmnight tohave thefurnacegoing."

Elsonconsideredbeforeheanswered."Iwasgettingridofalotofoldjunk,"hesaidshortly.

Theysmokedwithoutawordforfiveminutes, thenLattimerasserted,ratherthanasked:"Youwentintotownthismorning."

Themanlookedathimsuspiciously."Iwantedtogetoutofthiscursedplace.NoharmaboutmegoingintotheCity,isthere?"

"What sort of a cabin did you get?" Elson jumped; his jaw dropped. "TheC.P.R.routeisaprettycomfortableone.Isupposeyoudidn'tlikeriskingthedirectlineintoNewYork?"

"Howdidyouknow?"gaspedtheother.

"I guessed you were flitting. I've had that feeling for a long time. Andnaturally,it'sworriedme,"saidLattimerlazily."Idon'tliketoseeasourceofincomeslippingaway."

"Ithoughtyoucalledthemoney'loans',"sneeredtheother."WhyIgaveyouanythingIdon'tknow."

"Iamuseful,"saidLattimer."ImaybemoreusefulnextSaturday.Naturally,youdon'twant anybody to know that you're leaving the country. I suppose,whenyou'resafeinCanada—"

"I'm safe anywhere," exploded Elson violently. "I tell you, the police havenothingonme!"

"You'vetoldmethatsooftenthatIalmostbelieveit,"laughedLattimer."Nowcomeacross,Elson;what'sthehurry?"

"I'mtiredofEngland,"saidtheotherdoggedly."SinceHannahwaskilled,mynerveshavegone.Say,Lattimer,whathashappenedtothattramp?"

"ThefellowSooperpinched?Oh,he'sinLondonsomewhere.Why?"

"Idon'tknow—justinterested,"saidElsonhuskily."Isawhiminmygardenthemorninghewaspinched—thechauffeurwasontheroadwhenMintertookhim.Thattrampsortofrubbedmeraw.Nutty,isn'the?"

"Mad?Whyyes, I thinkhe is—at least,Sooper thinkshe is. I haven't got alicencetothinkwhenSooper'saround."

"Listen,Lat"—Elsonleantforwardanddroppedhisvoicetoahoarsewhisper—"you know the law of this country...nobody'd take notice ofwhat a nuttyfellowsaid,wouldthey?Imean,thelaw?Supposehestartssomething—sortof charges people with—things? The law wouldn't fall for that nutty stuff,wouldit?"

Lattimerwaseyeinghimsteadily."Whatareyouafraidof?"heasked.

"Afraidofnothing,"snappedElson."DidItellyouIwasafraidofanything?well! Only I'm curious; I've got a hunch I've met that fellow in Americasomewhere.MaybedowninArizona,whenIwas—Iwasfarminganddidhimdirt—I'vedonealotofpeoplethatway;youseewhatImean?That'stheonlythingI'mscaredof."

Hewas lying, andLattimer knewhewas lying. "I guess theywouldn't takeverymuchnoticeofwhatamadmansaid—Ihopetheywouldn'tanyway.Buthe'snotgoingtobemadverylong.Soopertoldmethereistobeanoperationandthereiseveryhopeofhisrecovering."

Elson leaped to his feet, his face livid. "That's a lie!A lie!He couldn't getright!God,ifIhadknown—ifIhadknown!"

Lattimer was watching him unemotionally. Not a line of his saturnine facemoved. "I thought so; he's the fellow that has got the pull on you.You canmakeyourmindeasy.JohnLeighwillbedaysandweeksbeforetheylethimtalk—ifheevertalks."

Theothermanwascalmernow,andsomethinginLattimer'stonearrestedhimasheturnedtothehalfemptydecanterbyhisside.

"Whatishetoyou,anyway?"heasked.

Thesergeantshrugged."Hemeansnothingtome,"hesaid.

StillElsonmadenoattempttomove.HisswollenfacewasthrustdownwardstowardsLattimer."Supposehe'snotasmadasyouthinkheis?Theysayhe'sgot a cave or something up in the cliffs nearBeachCottage. It is likely hewasn'tsofarawaywhenHannahwentout.Howwouldthataffectyou?"

Lattimerlaughedandsentacloudofsmokeuptotheceiling.

"Howwoulditaffectyou?"heaskedsignificantly."You'rewrongifyouthinkthatIknowthismanLeigh.I'veheardofhim,naturally,butI'dneverseenhimuntil Sooper put him into the cooler—I don't know that hewas even in thecooler;whenIsawhim,hewasinSooper'soffice,drinkingtea."

HesawElson'shandraised,enjoiningsilence.Themanwaslisteningintently.Presentlyhepulledouthiswatch."Myservantsareback,"hesaid.

"Willtheycomeinhere?"

"NotunlessIringforthem."

Almostashespoke, therecamea tapat thedoor.Lattimer rosequicklyandslippedbehindthecurtains,ashishostwenttothedoorandunlockedit.Itwashisvalet.

"Excuseme,sir,"saidtheman,"Ididn'twanttodisturbyou—"

"Well,whyhaveyou?"askedElsonharshly.

"Well,Iwaswondering,sir,ifyou'dseenthenoticeonthedoor?Icouldn'tgetitoff;itwasgummedontight."

"Notice on the door?" demanded Elson, in a different tone. "What are youtalkingabout?"

Hedashedpast the servantand ranacross thehall, the lightsofwhichwerenowburning.Jerkingopenthedoor,hesawthewhitesquareofpaperpastedonthepanelandreaditslowly,unbelievingly.

'FIRSTHANNAHSHAW.YOUWILLBETHENEXTTOGO.'

Hishandwentuptohisthroat;hetriedtoarticulate,butnothingescapedbutathinwhineofanguish.Staggeringbacktohisstudy,heslammedthedoorandlockedit.

"Lattimer!"hegasped."Lattimer!"

Hejerkedasidethecurtains,butLattimerwasgonethewayhehadcome.

XXI. TEAINTHEPARK

TherecamefromSooper'sbackyarda"chicka-chick-bang!"whichwasfairlyfamiliartoeverybodywholivedwithinaradiusofonemile.TheproprietorofthelocalpicturehousehadoncehiredSooper'sbicycletoproducetheeffectsin a great battle scene, and thatwas about the only time that the engine of

Firefly(hecalleditTheHawkinthosedays)hadbeenknowntorunwithoutproducingsoundssuggestiveofatrenchraid.

Onceapartyof admirershad subscribed tobuyhim the latest and themostsilent of machines; the presentation had been made in the presence of theMayor, theCorporation and the localministry. Sooper kept themachine forexactlyaweek,andthenitdisappeared.Hetoldathrillingstoryofithavingbeensmashedup,butitisanopensecretthathesolditbypublicauction,andoutoftheproceedsofthesaleaddedanincubatortohispoultryyard,anewcoat of paint to Firefly, and a not inconsiderable sum to his account atBarclay'sBank.

Itwasveryearlyinthemorning,beforemostcitizenswereabroad,thoughitcouldnotbesaidwithtruththatanybodywithinrangewassleeping.Hehadmounted themachine upside down on a kitchen table, and was engaged inregulatingapieceofmechanismwhichwasonlycomplicatedbecauseitwasSooper'sownrepairwork.

A respectful officer stood by in his shirt-sleeves. This policeman had someknowledgeofmechanics,andhewasinvariablyemployed,onsuchoccasionsas these, to agree with all that Sooper said. He remained a mechanicalauthorityjustsolongasheadoptedthisattitude.

"Noiseisnature,Constable,"saidSooper,plyingaspanner."Neverheardthatanybodyputasilenceronthunder,didyou?"

"No,sir."

"'Thesheepmakenoises,and thecattlewithin thygates', toquote thatwell-knownexpression."

"Ionlysuggest,sir,thatyoucouldputabettersilenceronthemachine,"saidtheofficerrespectfully.

"Itwouldbeawasteofmoney,Constable.Besides,people like thesoundofFirefly.Theyjustturnoverintheirbedsandtheysay:'Everything'sallright;Sooper'saround.'"

At that particular moment, many people were turning over in their bedswithoutexperiencingaglowofsatisfactionthathewasonhand.

"But,Sooper,isn'titabadthing;supposeafarmyardrobberhearsyoucoming—"

"They'd never hear me coming," said Sooper, glaring at the officious man."This machine's highly ventriloq'al. You think you hear it coming in onedirectionwhenitisreallycominginanother.What'sthematterwithyouthismorning, Constable? You're arguin' an' arguin'. Gosh! I can't get a word inedgeways!"

Thereaftertheconstableremaineddiscreetlysilent.

Sooper finishedhiswork tohisentiresatisfaction, lithispipeandexaminedthemorningsky,andfounditgood.Disappearingintothehut,hecamebackwithalargebagofchicken-feed,whichheslungoverhisshoulderandcarriedto his clamouring children. The inspection of hen- houses and collection ofeggsbeingconcluded,Sooperwent in toperformhis toilet,andhadreachedthe stagewhenhewashissing intohis rough towel,whenLattimer reportedforduty.

"Wherewereyoulastnight,Lattimer?"askedSooper,growlingovertheedgeofthetowel.

"Itwasmynightoff,sir."

"Thereusednottobesuchathingasanightoffinmydays,"grumbledtheoldman."Bringmyletters."

Lattimercamebackwithasmallwadofofficialcorrespondence,andSoopersortedhismailaccurately.

"That's a bill, that's a complaint about Firefly, that's a hue-and- cry, that's aletter from that smartAlec in the PayDepartment," hemuttered rapidly, asenvelopeafterenvelopepassedthroughhisfingers."Andthat'swhatIwant."

Itwas inaplainenvelope,Lattimernoticed, and the letterhad somesortofprintedheadingwhichhecouldnotread.

"Humph!" said Sooper, when he had scanned the contents. "Ever heard ofaconite?"

"No,sir.Isitapoison?"

"Slightlypoisonous.Asmuchaswouldgoontheheadofapinwouldkillyou,Lattimer, though itwouldn't killme, bein'more robust an' not spendingmynightsjazzin'anthreesteppin'withaparcelofgirls."

"Istheletterfromtheanalyst,sir?"askedLattimer.

"Itis.Youmightputthroughaninquiryandfindoutifanybody'sbeenbuyin'aconitine.It'snotusuallysold.AsktheYard.Neverheardofaconitine,eh?"

Sooperwasfasteninghiscollar,histwistedfaceupturnedtotheceiling.

"No,sir,I'veneverheardofthatdrug."

"I'll bet you oldCardew, the famous amateur sleuth, could tell you a dozencaseswhereIt'sbeenused."

"Verylikely,"agreedLattimer.

"I don't like poisoners," mused Sooper, tying his cravat with unusual care.

"They're about themeanest kind ofmurderers; they never confess.Did youknow that,Lattimer?Apoisonerneverconfesses,notevenwhenhe's toeingthe'T.'"

"Ididn'tknowthat,sir,"saidthepatientLattimer.

"I'llbetoldCardewknows.I'llbethe'sgotbooksaboutmurderersandaboutpoisonersthatwouldmakeyourhaircurl.Imustgetasubscriptiontooneofthesescientificlibraries;I'msofarbehindthetimesthatit'scatchingmeupinthefirstlap."

Heconcludedhisofficialcorrespondenceinaveryshorttime,and,mountinghismachine,begana roundof importantcalls.Theywouldnotappear tobeveryimportantfromanyotherviewpointthanSooper's.Hewasaquarterofanhourinthetelephoneexchange,interviewinganotherkindofsuperintendent;hewasnearlytwohoursatthevillagestationer'sintheHighStreet,andduringthat period obtained a very considerable knowledge ofwriting papers, theirwatermarks and characteristics.At the typewriter agency, his staywas briefbutinformative.Butitwasnotuntilhehadlefthisdistrictfarbehindhim,andwaswanderingaroundthesidestreetsthatleadfromtheStrand,thathisreallyimportantinquiriescouldbesaidtohavebegun.

Jimsawhimquitebyaccident,asheandthegirlweredrivingalongWhitehallontheirwaytoGreenPark.Alittletohisdistress,Elfainsisteduponstoppingand running back nearly a hundred yards to overtake the long-striding oldman.

"We'redrivingtoKensingtonGardens;won'tyoucome?"sheasked.

Sooperlookedroundatthedistantcar."Idon'tsupposethatyoungfellerwillbewantin'me,MissLeigh.I'mnot,an'neverhavebeen,thesortofmanthat'dcome,sotospeak,betweentwoyounglovin'hearts."

"Ourheartsareyoung,Mr.Minter,but theyarenot loving,"saidElfa,goingveryred."Mr.Ferrabyhasbeenmostkindtome."

"Whowouldn'tbe?"murmuredSooper."You'resurehewon'tmind?"

"Of course he won't mind," said Elfa, slightly annoyed. "Why should hemind?"

Soopergotonboardwithashowofreluctance."Iwasjustsayin'tothisyoungladythatfarbeitfrommetogobuttin'inwhentwoyoungpeoplewanttobealone."

"We'reverygladtoseeyou,Sooper,"saidJimstiffly.

"Ialwayssaythatyoungpeoplehavegotplentyoftimetocanoodlean'holdhandsan'dothingsofthatkind,andthere'snosenseingettin'sorewhensome

oldfellerwalksintotheparlourwithoutcoughin'orknockin'.I'veneverbeenin love myself," he reflected sadly. "There was a certain affair between awidderwoman—didIevertellyouaboutthattemp'ramentalwidder?"

"Iexpectshemissedyouwhenyoulefther,"saidJimviciously.

"Shedid—byinches.Theplatehitthewalltooneartobecomfortable."

Itwastheonlyreferencehehadevermadetothecauseofhisbreachwiththetemperamentalwidow.

"I like to seepeoplemarryyoung,"he rambledon. "By the time they'reoldenoughtobedivorced,they'vesettleddown."

"You'renotexactlycheerfulthisevening,Sooper,"saidJim,laughinginspiteofhimself.

"Ineveramcheerfulatthistimeoftheday."

AstheypassedthemagazineinHydePark,thesentryondutycamestifflytoattentionandpresentedarms.Soopertookoffhishatsolemnly.

"Hewassalutingtheofficerontheothersidewalk,"explainedthegirl.

Soopershookhisheadmournfully."Ithoughtappreciationhadcomeatlast,"he said. "If I had my due, the church bells'd ring every time I came intoLondon."

Overathirdcupinthealfrescoteaground,hemadeapassingreferencetothebusiness which had brought him to town. And then, with characteristicabruptness:"Thatpiehadbeendoctored,younglady.I'mnotgoingtopretendthatithadn't—anyway,youwouldn'tbelieveme."

"Youmeanpoisoned?"shesaid,goingpale.

Soopernoddedvigorously."Gotanideasomebodydoesn'twantyourfathertogethismindclear.Maybehesawtoomanythingsfromthatlittlecaveofhis.Infact,Iaminclinedtothinkthatitissomethin'whichhesawbeforehewent—beforehismindchanged.It'snouseaskin'mewhodidit,becauseI'mnotatlibertytotellyou,andifItoldyou,Ihaven'tgotevidencetoarresthim."

Hiseyeswanderedoverthesurroundingtables."WhenIwasayoungofficer,Ineverdreamtofwalkin'aboutlikeagentleman,eatin'icecream,"hesaid.

So rapid was the transition from one subject to the other that the girl wasbewildered,butJim,whoknewSooper'squeerhabits, followedthedirectionofhiseyes.Atatableontheoutskirtshesawafamiliarface."DidyoubringLattimerhere?"

Soopershookhishead."Eatin'icecream!"hesaidbitterly."Likeayounggirl!Now,whenIwashisage,I'dhavebeentakin'asociableandmanlyglassof

beer."

"Hasheseenyou?"askedJim,droppinghisvoice.

"Youbethe'sseenme.ThatLattimerseeseverythin'.He'slikethewell-knownspiderwithfortymillioneyes,ormaybefourmillion."

Yet, if Lattimer saw him, he made no sign. He was indeed engaged in theoperation of consuming a plate of ice cream, and did not betray any propershamewhenSoopercameoverandsatdownfacinghim.Lookingacross,Jimsawtheoldmanspeak,andfromhisexpressionheguessedthatSooperwasinhimmostvitriolicmood,forashecamestalkingback,Lattimersummonedthewaitress,paidhisbillanddisappearedsomewhathurriedly.

"Igavethatfellerstrictinstructionsnottoleavethestation,"hesaid,"an'hereheiseatin'icecreamlikeayounglady!Gotthetimeonyou,Mr.Ferraby?Idon'tcarryawatchmyself.Therewassometalkofpresentin'mewithone,butit fell through. If you ever find yourselfwith an oldwatch you don'twant,maybeyou'llshootitdowntome?"

WhenJimhadtoldhimthehour,hegotup."I'llhavetogonow;I'veleftmyjoy-waggonintheBayswaterRoad;it'sonlyastepfromhere."

With a nod to the girl he was gone, before she could ask even one of thequestionsshehadmadeuphermindtoputtohim.

Fromwheretheysattheycouldseetheroadandthebridgeleadingacrossthelake. As Sooper strode off, Jim saw a man cross the road and follow at arespectfuldistance.ItwasLattimer.

"Iwonderwhathe'sdoing.Soopersaidhe'dsenthimbacktohisheadquarters,buthedoesn'tseemtobeinanyhurry."

Theywaited for half an hour, talking aimlessly, then strolled off to the car,whichwasparkedbythesideoftheroad.Jimwasgettinginwhensomebodyaddressedhimbyname."Excuseme,Mr.Ferraby,"saidavoice.

Helookedround,andhiseyesfelluponanunknownfacethatheyetseemedtoknow.Fromhisgapingbootstohisbatteredstrawhat, 'tramp'waslegiblywrittenoneverygarment."Rememberme,sir?Sullivan.IwasthegentlemanyouwasgoodenoughtoprosecuteattheOldBailey."

"Moses!"saidJimsoftly."You'rethebrutethatoughttobedoingtime!"

"That's right, sir," said theman, unabashed. "Haven't got the price of a bedaboutyou,haveyou,sir?I'vebeensleepingoutforaweek."

Jim, who had no sentiment in matters of this kind, looked round for apoliceman, but evidently Sullivan had taken the precaution of reconnoitringthegroundforthesamepurpose.

Jimsawthesmiletremblingatthecornerofthegirl'smouthandturnedtoherhopelessly.

"This is the 'poor fellow' towhomyouonce referred,Elfa.You remember Iprosecutedhim?"

"Andyoudiditwell,too,sir,"saidSullivaningratiatingly.

And now Jim saw, coming round the bend, a verywelcome sight. Itwas amountedpolicepatrol.Sullivansawhimalso.

"Ifyougivemeacoupleofshillings,sir,"hesaidrapidlyandearnestly,"you'llbedoingmeagreatfavour.TheonlymoneyI'veearnedwasashillingIgotlastnightfromagenttotakeapietoTrafalgarSquare."

Thekeen-eyedpatrolwascomingforwardata trotasSullivan turned tofly,butJim'sarmkepthim.

"Come here,my friend.What's this story you tellme about carrying a pie?Whogaveittoyou?"

"Some fellow—I've never seen him before. He came up to me on theEmbankmentandaskedmeifI'dliketoearnashilling—Iwon'tlietoyou,sir,It'struth—bytakingaparceltothedistrictmessengeroffice."

"Didyouseehisface?"askedJimquickly.

Sullivan shook his head. By this time the patrol was abreast of them and,bringinghishorsetoastandstill,waseyeingthevagrantunkindly.Jimsteppedout intotheroad,andinafewwordsintroducedhimselfandtoldthegistofthetramp'sstory.

"Yes, sir, we've had that inquiry in station orders," said the patrol, andbeckonedtoSullivan."Youcancomeawalkwithme,"hesaid."IfyoutrytorunI'llmurderyou."

Thatevening,SullivanwastakendowntoaninterviewwithSooper.Hisstoryhad many disappointing feat ures. In the first place, he had not seen thestranger'sface,andinthesecond,hewasnotpreparedtoidentifyhiminanyotherway.

"Hetalkedverysharpandofficial,sir.Ithoughthewasabusyatfirst—Imeanadetective."

"Say what you mean, bo'," said Sooper gently. "I'm sufficiently acquaintedwiththecommontalkofthelowerorderstoknowwhata 'busy' is.Soundedlikeadetective,didhe?"

"Yes,sir,thewayheorderedmeabout."

SooperturnedtotheCentralLondonmanwhohadconductedSullivantothe

station."He'sbeenidentifiedbythedistrictmessenger,hashe?Good!IseemtorememberMr.Ferrabytellingmethatheaskedhimforthepriceofabed?He'sgoin'togetonetonight,andit'sgoin'tocosthimnothin'.Puthimintherefrigeratorwherehe'llfreezetodeath,"saidSooper,withalordlygesture,andSullivanmadeacomplainingexit.

XXII. CHLOROFORM

Mr.GordonCardewwasanomnivorousreader,andsincehehadretiredfromthe practice of the law, he had devoured more books than the averagegentleman's library contains. It was his practice to take a book to bedwithhim,forhewasnotthebestofsleepers,andtoresumeintheearlyhoursofthemorningwherehehadleftoffthenightbefore.

Of lateyearshis studieshadbeenexclusivelydirected to thatdepartmentofscience, themention of which never failed to arouse Sooper's derision. Yetanthropology can be a fascinating subject, and the bald records of deadcriminals more thrilling than the most modern of romances. Cardew haddiscoveredthatnotadaypassedwhichdidnotincreasehisstoreofknowledgeandwidenhisoutlookuponthecriminal,hismethodandhispsychology.

Hewasstillinbed,withMantegazza'swell-intentionedbutmisguidedtreatiseon physiognomy set against his knees, and his mind divided between thetheoriesofthatgreatcriminologistandtheadjournedinquestwhichwouldberesumedinafewdays'time,whenthemaidbroughthimhismorningtea,andsetitonthetablebesidethebed.

"Mr.Minterisdownstairs,sir."

"Minter?Goodheavens!"saidCardew,jerkinghimselfup."Whattimeisit?"

"Halfpastseven,sir."

"Minter,atthishour?TellhimIwillbedowninafewminutes."

Hescrambledintohisdressing-gownandslippers,and,carryinghisteainhishand,wentdowntofindSoopersittingboltuprightonahallchair.

"I'vegotafellerinthecoolernamedSullivan,"saidSooper,comingatoncetothepoint."Idon'tsupposeyonrememberhim.HetriedtobreakintoElson'shouse..."

"Irememberthecircumstances.Ofcourse,hewasthemanwhomMr.Ferrabyprosecuted."

"That'swhyhegotoff,"saidSooperunkindly."Hewaspulledinlastnight.I

don'tmindtellin'youthatI'mprettyworried,Mr.Cardew,andIwouldn'thavecome out here because, honest, I don't think there's anythin' in the'rizin' oranthr'pologyoranyofthattruck.Butyou'realawyerandI'manignorantoldman,andI'vegotanideathatthisfeller'skeepin'somethin'fromme,thatheknowsmore than he'll say. I've tried everyway of persuadin' him, short ofbeatin'hisheadoff,buthewon'tspillwhatIwanthimtospill.Nowtotellthetruth,"saidSooper,withanobviouseffort,"I'vealwaysguyedyourideasan'notions,becauseI'manoldfashionedpolicemanwithold-fashionedways;andallthatmagnifying-glassandChopping'sSonatastuffdoesn'tmeananythin'inmyyounglife.ButI'mabroad-mindedmanandI'veneverstoppedlearnin'."Hepaused,andseemedtoexpectMr.Cardewtosaysomething.

"Well,whatdoyouwantmetodo?"

"You'realawyer,"saidSooperdoggedly."You'reusedtogettin'fellersonthestandandturnin''eminsideout..."

"And you want me to cross-examine him? But that's highly irregular.Whydon'tyougetMr.Ferraby,whoisinthePublicProsecutor'sDepartment?"

"He publicly prosecuted Sullivan and Sullivan got off," said Sooperdisparagingly."Ofcourse,youneedn'tcome,onlyIgotanidea.Inthemiddleofthenight,"headded."Itisqueerhowideascometoamaninthemiddleofthenight."

"Precisely,"saidMr.Cardeweagerly."Ifyouremember,mytheoryas to themurderoccurredtomeattwoo'clockinthemorning."

"Idon'tremembertheexacttime,butIseemtorememberthatitdid."

Mr.Cardewconsideredthematterforsometime."Verygood,"hesaid,"ifyouthinkthereisnoimproprietyinmyquestioningtheman,Iwillcome,thoughIwarnyouthatIamquiteunusedtocriminalpractice."

Soopermadenodisguiseofhisrelief."I'vebeenlayin'inbedworryin'aboutthisSullivan—areg'largrasshoundheis;alotofpeoplethinkIwouldn'tlowermyself toaskadvice,butI'mnot thatsort.Youcanpickupideasfrommostanybodyifyougiveyourmindtoit."

HeseemedblissfullyunconsciousthathisspeechlackedgraciousnessbutMr.Cardewwas not offended. "Now, tell mewhat offence thisman is chargedwith,andwhatitisyouwishtodiscover."

"Attemptedmurder,"saidSooper,"accessoryto,orbeforetheact,"andseeingthe lookof surprise thatcameon the lawyer's face,heexpanded thecharge,yetwasbriefinhiselaboration.

"This Sullivan took a small cherry pie from a stranger on the ThamesEmbankment.Hehadto takesameto themessengerofficewitha letter,and

thewholelotwastobedeliveredatanursin'homeinWeymouthStreet.Inthatpie was poison—aconitine. This Sullivan says he don't know theman whogavehimtheparcel,andhelieslikeadog!An'cleverasIundoubtedlyam,Ican'tcatchhimout."

Mr.Cardewpursedhislips."Anextraordinarystory,"hesaidatlast;"youarequiteserious—youarenot—er—foolingme?"

"Iwish Iwas," said Sooper, "not that I'm capable of doing so, but Iwish Iwas!"

Thelawyer,withhischininhishand,lookedthoughtful."Aremarkablestory—ithardlyseemspossiblethatinthetwentiethcentury,intheverycentreandhomeofcivilization..."

"An'cultcher,"suggestedSooper,whenhepaused.

"That such things could happen. Very well, Superintendent, I will see thisman,andsuchpoorskillasImaypossesswillbeatyourdisposal.Youdonotinanywayconnectthismanwiththemurder?"

"Iassuredlyan'certainlydo,"saidSooper.

HewentbacktothestationandarousedtheslumberingSullivan."Wake,bo',it'syourlasthouronearth!"hesaid."Courage,mononfons—whichisFrench,youpoorloft-lounger."

Sullivansatuponthehardbenchandknuckledhiseyes."What'sthetime?"heaskeddrowsily.

"Time'snothin'toyou,tramp—an'willbeless,"saidSooperevenly,"there'safirs'classlawyercomin'alongtoturnyouinsideoutan'don'tlietohim,bo',becausehe'sawhaleonpsychol'gyan'hecansee intoyourblackheart.An'further,you'lltellhimallaboutthemanyoumetontheEmbankment...an'thetruth!"

"Idon'tremembertheman,"saidthefrightenedSullivan;"don'tyouthinkI'dtellyouifIremembered?"

Sooper shook his head sadly. "Never heard of brimston' an' fire, an' whathappenstoafellerthatcan'ttalkstraight?Didn'tyouhaveamotherthattaughtyousump'n'?"

"I don't know, so I can't tell you,"Sullivan almost screamed thewords. "Tohellwithyourlawyer!"

"Youwait!"warnedSooper,andturnedthekeyonhisprisoner.

He strolled to the entrance of the station in time to seeCardew's limousineflyingdownthestreet.Withagrindingofbrakes,thecarstoppedandadazed

chauffeurleaptoutontothesidewalk.

"Superintendent,willyoucomeatonce...Mr.Cardewhasbeenchloroformedinhisroom..."

"Whydidn'tyouphone?"shoutedSooperinafury,ashejumpedforthecar.

"Thewireshavebeencut,"saidtheman,andSoopershowedhisteeth.

"ThatBigFootthinksofeverythin'!'hesaid.

"Iwentbacktomyroomandlaydownonmybedtothinkoutyourunusualrequest,"saidMr.Cardew.Hewasthecolourofchalkandhad,infact,beenvery sick. He was stretched full-length on an ottoman, and the room washeavywiththesweetnessofchloroform.

"I must have dozed...I didn't sleep too well in the night, and I have norecollectionofanythinghappeninguntil I feltmyservantshakingmebytheshoulder. He came into the room by accident and apparently sawme lyingwith a piece of folded lint over my face, and he must have disturbed myassailant,becausehefoundthewindowwideopen."

Soopercrossedtothewindowandlookedout.Hesawashiningobjectontheflower-bedimmediatelybelowand,goingdownstairs,wentoutintotheopenairandretrievedit.Itwasabrokenbottle, labelled 'ChloroformiiB.P.' ithadbeennewlyopened,andnowthefumesofitscontentswererapidlydestroyingtheflowersamidstwhichthebottlehadfallen.

Sooper looked up at the openwindow. Itwas an easy drop. Therewere nofootprintsonthenarrowflower-bedunderthewall,butanybodyjumpingfromthewindowmustinevitablymissthebedandstrikethegravelpath.

Helookedatthebottlelabel.Itboreinthecornertheinitialsofawell-knownwholesale chemist, and would be difficult to trace. The telephone wire ranalongthewallatthisspot,withinreachofamanofaverageheight.Ithadbeenneatlycut.

"Samepliersthatcutmywire,"saidSooper.

Goingback to the stricken lawyer,he foundhehadso far recovered thathewasabletositupinachair.

"Youhadn'tseenanybodyaboutthegrounds—wherewasyourgardener?"

"Thismorningheisinthepottingsheds;noneoftheoutsidestaffwouldbeinview.IcertainlyheardascrapingnoiseasIwaslyingonthebed,butIgavenogreatattentiontoit."

"Thewindowwasopen?"

"Half open and fastenedwith a hookwhich could easily be lifted from the

outside. It was wide open when my man came in." Sooper examined thefoldedlint.Thoughchloroformisoneofthemostvolatileofliquids,thelintwas still damp between the folds. He pulled away the pillow onwhich thelawyer'sheadhadbeen restingand then lookedunder thebed. Ill ashe felt,Mr.Cardewsmiled.

"No,Ididn'texpecttofindhimthere,"saidSooper,impervioustoridicule,"IgotanideathatI'dfindsump'n.Theydidn'tscratchyourhands,didthey?"

"Scratchmyhands?Whatonearth..."

Sooperinspectedthelawyer'shands,fingerbyfinger,inhisnear-sightedway—hesawexcellentlyinthedark,andthereweremany,Lattimeramongstthenumber,whoregardedthatpeeringhabitofhisasapose.

"I thought theywouldhavescratchedyourhands."Heseemeddisappointed."Thatupsetsoneofmythe'ries—I'mpickin'upthe'riesprettyrapid.I'llhavetogiveyoupoliceprotection,Mr.Cardew."

"You'lldonothingof thekind,"protested the lawyervigorously,"Iamquitecapableofprotectingmyself."

"Lookslikeit,"wasallthatSoopersaid.

XXIII. THEWARRANT

ThetaskthatshouldhavebeenMr.Cardew'sfelltoJimFerraby,peremptorilysummoned from Whitehall, as he believed, for an important consultation.Officials of the Public Prosecutor's Department are not amenable to theautocraticdemandsofsuperintendentsofpolice,eventhoughasuperintendentis a very important person indeed, andwould in theUnitedStates be calledcaptain. The irregularity of the proceedings occurred to Jim Ferraby on hiswayfromtown,andwereemphasizedbythecoolnessofSooper'srequest.

"But,mydearman,"saidJimirritably,"youdonotgivethethirddegreeinthiscountry!Sooper,you'llgetmehanged!"

"I'm never goin' to rest until somebody's hung, Mr. Ferraby," said theimperturbableman."Iwouldn'thavetroubledyou,buttheFellerThatThinksofEverythin'gotatthegrandestanthr'pologistoftheagejustashewasgoin'toputitalloverthatlowthiefSullivan."

"Mr. Cardew? What has happened to him?" asked Jim quickly. Sooper soseldomlaughedthatJimstaredinamazement.

"BigFootgothim—clever.That fellow'sgotbrains aswell as feet.General

the'ry is that he was in the house listenin' when I was havin' a littleconversation with Mr. Cardew. And I've known that sump'n was goin' tohappentoCardewallthislastweek.IsupposeImighthaveputonasquadtoprotecthim,"hemused, "butwho'd ever think they'd catch a feller that's onspeakin'termswithLombosso,orwhateverthatEytalian'snamemaybe?"

Jimlookedathimsuspiciously.HewasneverquitesurehowneartolaughterSooperwas inhismoresolemnmoments. "Tellmewhatoccurred,"hesaid,andSoopergaveaverygraphicdescriptionofCardew'sunhappyexperience.

At the old man's earnest request he went into the cell and for an hourquestionedandcross-questionedtheangrytramp.Sooperlefthimtohistask."Inever thoughtyouwould,"hesaid,whenJimreported failure. "Naturally,that feller's got a superior feeling towards you,Mr. Ferraby.He bested youonce.Ineverthoughtyou'dgethimtotalk."

"But,mydeargoodman,Sullivanisspeakingthetruth,"saidJim,nettled.

Sooper closed his eyeswearily. "I suppose it sounds thatway to you. It's agreatpity."Heshookhisheadagain."You'renotgoing,Mr.Ferraby?"

"Yes, I am," said Jim. "And really, Sooper, I don't knowwhy on earth youbroughtmehere."

Sooper looked up at the clock; the hands pointed to within twominutes tofour. "I've been strugglin' an' wrestlin' with myself all afternoon," he said,"Justice v. pers'nal ambition.An' justice haswon."He opened his desk andtook out a blue blank, filling it in laboriously, and Jim watched him,wonderingwhetherthiswasoneofSooper'sgesturesofdismissal."Don'tgo,sir.You're an officer of thePublicProsecutor'sBureau, and I thinkyou cansignthis."

Jimlookedatthedocumentwhichhadbeenturnedtohim.ItwasawarrantforthearrestofElson,onachargeofunlawfulpossession!

"Doyouseriouslywishmetosignthis?"

Soopernodded."Yes,sir.Accordingtomyknowledge,you'reaJusticeofthePeace."

"Butunlawfulpossessionofwhat?"

"Idon'tknowtillIpinchhim,"saidSooper."Mr.Ferraby,I'mtakingarisk.I'llsweartheinformationlater.Givemethatwarrantnow."

Jim hesitated for a second picked up a pen and scribbled his name on thebottomoftheblank.

"Good!"saidSooper."Justicehaswon.Youcomeupwithmeandyou'llseesump'n'."

Aservantansweredtheknock,andinvitedthemintothehallbeforeshewentupstairs. They heard her tap at Elson's door, and presently she came downagain.

"Mr.Elsonisn'tinthehouse,"shesaid."Hemaybe,walkinginthegarden.Ifyouwillwaithere..."

"Nevermind,miss,"saidSooper."We'llfindhim.Iknowmywayaboutthesegrounds."

TherewasnosignofElson.Theservant,whostood in thedoorwaywaitingfor their return, suggested that he might be in 'the wilderness', a stretch ofuncultivated bush land that had once assisted a singing tramp to make hisescape.Thewilderness,aptlycalled,layatthefootofagentleslope,beyondtheredwall,andfromthecrestoftheslopeanymovingobjectcouldbeseen,formostofthebusheswerenomorethanshoulderhigh.

"Ishouldn'tliketothinkthathe'smadeagetaway,"saidSooper.

"Butwhatisreallythecharge?"

"Ijustwanthim,that'sall,"saidSooper."Igotanideahe'dflitthismorning."

"Doyouwanthiminconnectionwiththemurder?"Soopernodded."Butyoudon'twishtochargehimwiththemurder—isthatright?"

"That'sso,sir,"saidSooper."You'reguessin'rightalmosteverytime."Shadinghiseyes,helookedacrossthebushland."There'sapathrunstotheleft,"hesaidsuddenly,"it'lldonoharmifwewalktotheendoftheproperty."

What Sooper described as a 'path'was nomore than a foot-wide track, thattwisted and turned mazily, sometimes running into hollows, occasionallymarchingparallelwiththefenceboundary.

"Idon'tthinkhe'shere,"saidJim."Doyoureallythinkhe'sgoneaway?"

Then, to his amazement, Sooper snarled round at him. "What's the use ofaskin' me questions?" he demanded with sudden wrath. "Can't you see thisthing'srightontopofme?"Andthen,exercisinghismarvellousself-control,he showed his teeth in a grin. "Start kickin' me right away, Mr. Ferraby,because I deserve it. I'm just temp'ramental today, as temp'ramental as I'vebeenforyears."

"I'msorryIannoyedyou,"saidJim,"butI'mtryingtogetyourmind."

"Itain'tworthhavin',Mr.Ferraby,"saidSooper.

Jimhelduphishandtocommandsilence.Fromsomewhereinthewildernesscameapeculiarsound—the'klop!klop!klop!'ofanaxeagainstatree.

"He'scuttingwood,"hesuggested,butSooperdidnotanswer.

Afterfiveminutes'walk,theyturnedthecornerofthepath,whichleddowntoasaucer-shapeddepression,andhereitwasnecessarytopushthebushesasidetomakeanyprogress.

Sooperwentthroughfirstandstopped,holdingbackthebushfortheothertopass. At first Ferraby thought that this was an act of politeness, and then,lookingahead,hesawthecrumpledfigureinthepathandthepoolofbloodinwhichitlay.

ItwasElson!Soopertiptoedforwardandturnedthethinguponitsback.

"Shotone,two,threetimes,"hesaidsteadily."Elson,Ioughttohavepinchedyouthismornin'an'savedyourlife!"

XXIV. AMBUSHED

"ForGod'ssake,whodidthis?"askedFerrabyinhorror.

Sooper, kneeling by the figure, looked up with a bland expression whichseemedshockinglycallous.

"Whodidit?"HisvoicewassunkensolowthatJimhadtolistenintentlytohearhim."ThesamemanthatchloroformedCardew,thesamemanthatshotHannahShaw,thesamemanthathandedthepastrytothathumanfishinthetank—thesamebrain,thesamehand,thesamemotive.He'sconsistent.Icanadmireamanwho'sthatway.An'hethinksofeverything.Don'tgostandingup,Mr.Ferraby. I'mnotkneelin'here for rev'rencebut for safety.Oneofusoughttogetbackaliveintheint'restofjustice."

AcoldchillcreptdownJim'sspine."Ishehere—inthisbush?"hewhispered.

Soopernodded."Murderwascommittedlessthantenminutesago.Rememberthat 'plop-plop-plop!' we heard?You thought it was somebody cuttin' downtrees.Itwasn't.Agunan'asilencer,that'sall."

All the timehewas speaking,his eyeswere ranging the immediatevicinity,hiskeenearsstrainedtocatchthesoundofbreakingturforrustleofleaf.

Presently, Jim, sensing the search the old man was conducting, saw himconcentrateuponapatchofgorse—agoldensplashofcolourtotheleftfront.Hisbighandcameoutstealthily,andthemotionitmadewastowardsthebushthroughwhichtheyhadpushedtheirway.

"Jump!"hehissed,andas,hisfleshlikeice,JimFerrabystumbledandjumpedtocover,Sooperflunghimselffacedownwardontheground.

"Klock...klock!"

Something went "whang!" near Jim's head, he heard the staccato flutter ofbreakingtwigsandseveredleaves,andinanothersecond,Sooperhadplungedintothebushafterhim.

"Run!An'keepyournutdown!"

They flew up the path to the cover of a new bush clump and on to theprotectionofasecondcovert.

"Slowdown—hewon'tfollow,"saidSooper,droppingintoawalk."Iwouldn'thave seen him, only a birdwas lightin' on that furze an' changed hismindquitesudden.Iwasalwayspartialtobirds.Igottwentychicksincubatedthismornin'.It'snotnature,butitpays."

The last thing in theworld that JimFerrabywished todiscusswasSooper'spoultryfarm."Whereishenow?"heasked,glancingbackoverhisshoulder.

"Him—oh,he'smovin'tosafety.Hedidn'twaitafterhefired.Ioughttocarrya gun, but I'mold-fashioned. I'mgivin'Cardewpolice protection tonight—Ioughttohavegivenitbefore."

"Youthinkheisindanger?"

"Sure,"saidtheothershortly."I'vealwaysknownhewasindangereversincehestartedtothe'rizeinpublicabouthowthemurderergotintothecottage.Histhe'rywasn'tquiteright,butnearenoughtobedangeroustohim."

They reached the slope, and Sooper hardly paused to look back across thegreentopsofthebushes.

"He's gone," he said, and for ten minutes was fully occupied at Elson'stelephone.

Almostassoonashehadfinishedhisseveralconversationsthepolicereservesbegantoarrive,bybicycle,bycommandeeredmotor-cars,andalargepartyinthehospitalambulance.

Afewofthemwerearmed,andwiththisparty,SooperledthewaybacktothewildernessandtotheplacewherehehadfoundElson.Hehadleftthefigureonitsface,butthepocketshadnotbeenturnedout,astheynowwere.

"Weinterruptedhimwhenwearrived,andhewenttogroundhopin'tofinishthegoodwork.AnybodyseenLattimer?"

"HewasnotatthestationwhenIleft,sir,"saidauniformedsergeant."Ileftwordthathewastocomeonhere."

Soopersaidnothing.

Crossingtothegorsebushes,heworkedroundthem,hiseyesontheground.The exploded shells were there for all to see, but beyond motioning to anofficerwhofollowedhimtopickthemup,hepaidthemnoattention.Hewassniffingandsnufflingforalltheworldlikeanolddog.

"Gotawonderfulnose,"hesaid,addressingJim."Smellanything?"

"No—exceptthegorse."

Soopervolunteerednofurtherinformation;hewasstilllookingforsomething,partingbushes, liftingsprawling tendrils, searchingwithhis fingersamongstthedebristhattheseasonshadleftupontheground.

"Hemusthavetakenitaway,"hesaid."Ibankedonhisleavin'itinhishurry.Buthe'stoothoughtful."

"Whatdidyouexpecttofind?"askedJimcuriously.

Soopersatbackonhisheels—hewaskneelingat the time—andlookedintoFerraby'sface.

"Yourlatchkey,or—hereitis,bygum!"

Hescrapedfromunderthebushasmallgoldenobject.JimFerrabyrecognizedit instantly, thoughhehadnot seen the thing foravery long time. "It ismysovereignpurse!"heexclaimed.Itwasarelicofthegoldenage,whenmoneywasmetal.

"Rememberwhenyoulostit?"Jimrememberedperfectly,itwasoneSundaytwoyearsbefore.HehadcalledtoseeSooperonhiswaytotownandmissedthepursefromtheendofhiswatch-chain.

"IthoughtIhaddroppeditinthecar,andLattimersearchedthemachine.Theswivelwasalwaysabitgroggy—itisnow—andIthinkImusthavelostitadozentimesbeforeitfinallydisappeared.Buthowcameithere?"

"Heleftit—theBigFootman.Heleftsomethin'atBeachCottage.Iguesseditwouldbealittlesouv'nirofyours...Iwouldn'thavebeensurprisedifhe'sleftapairofCardew'seyeglasses.But,lord!hewouldn'tdaredoit,notonhim!"

"ButwhatdidheleavebehindatBeachCottage?"askedJim.

"Hisfeet,"wa5thelaconicreply.

A doctor was examining the body when they came back, and had alreadygivenordersforitsremoval.

"Comea littlewalk," saidSooper,and returned to thegorsebush. "Hewentthis way." He pointed to a space between the blackberry bushes. "You justfollowmeandI'llgiveyouanimitationofabloodhound."

Jimwasfeelingphysicallysick.Thesunwashot;therewasinhisnostrilstheveryaromaofdeath.Sooper,ontheotherhand,mighthavebeendiscussingagameoftennisinwhichhehadbeenbeaten,sorespectfulwashetothemanwhohadbaffledhim.

"Gotan ideayouought tohavepoliceprotection too,Mr.Ferraby:"hesaid,"an'I'mprettycertainthatnobodywantsitmorethanme.Atthesametime,there's a chance that, if I leavemyself open, I'll catch Big Foot before thedoctorsgetbusyonLeigh."

"Doesmuchdependuponthatoperation?"

Sooper nodded. "If Leigh had got his mind back, the whole thing'd be sosimplethatapolicerecruitcouldclearupthecase.Asitis,I'vegotnoproof,onlysuspicion.Juriesdon't likesuspicions.What theywant is twowitnesseswhosaw themurdercommittedan' tookaphotographof the fellerwhilehewasdoin'it.Andthey'reright.Knowthehangman?"heaskedabruptly,ashemadehispainfulwayalongthebushpath.

"Ihaven'tthepleasureofhisacquaintance."

"He'sagoodfeller,"saidSooper."Gotnoside.Iknewahangmanthatwantedpattydefaygrassforbreakfast,butthisnewman'soneoftheplainbeerandcheesekind.Asmodestamanasyoucouldwishtomeet.Hekeepsabarber'sshopinLancashire.Shavedmemanyatime."

Jimshuddered.

"If caseswere brought into court on suspicion," saidSooper, continuing thethread of his argument, "that chap'd do nothin' but barberin'. And there'snothin'tobemadeoutofthattrade,especiallyinacoal-minin'village,wherefellers only shave once aweek.He toldme that this safety-razor craze hadtakenpoundsoutofhispocket.He'sagoodfeller;I'dliketofindhimajob."

Jim had learnt that, when Sooper was thinking, he talked, and that speechhelpedhimprettyconsiderably.Thesubjectonwhichhespoke,andthatwhichwasinhismind,wereentirelydifferent.

"It'scurious,"hewenton,"thatwhenamancommitsafairlyclevermurder,everybodysayshemustbemad.You'dexpecttofindBigFootwithstrawsinhishair—heturnedoffhere,"hesaidsuddenly,and,liftingthebranchesofayoungcrab-appletree,hecrawledoutintoagrass-coveredclearance.

Beforethemwasaplainwirefence.Leaningover,Soopergazedupanddownthesunkenroadwhichactedasboundarybetweenthetwoproperties.

"That'sCardew'sfield,"indicatedSooper."It'snotsomuchofawilderness...Iwonderifhe'sstillalive?"heaskedcalmly,andJimwasshocked.

"Youdon'tthinkthat...?"Hedidnotfinishhissentence.

"You never know," said Sooper, climbing over the fence and cautiouslydescendingthesteepslopetothedustyroad.Thisheexaminedcarefully."It'snarrowenoughtojump.Atthesametime,ifwewalkedonthegrass....Hullo!"

Amanwas coming leisurelydown the road, thebutt of a cigarbetweenhisteeth,aderbyhatonthebackofhishead.

"LookatLattimercomin'towork,"saidSoopersourly.

"You'dneverthinkthatthefactorybellhadbeenringin'forthepasthalf-hour.Good afternoon, my bold Sergeant," he said, as the officer came withinhearing."Beentoaweddin'?"

"No,sir,Ionlyjustheardthattherewastroublehere."

"Didyou just?" askedSooper sardonically. "Was thatwhyyouwere runnin'likemad?"

"Ididn'tthinkitwasnecessarytorun,Sooper,"saidtheothercoolly."Oneofthe servants up at the house toldmewhat had happened, and I thought I'dcomeroundthecutroadinthehopeofpickingupatrail.Itisobvioushemusthavebrokenthissideorthewilderness."

Sooperdidnotreply.

"CanIpickupanythinghere,sir?"

Theoldmanpointedtotheroad.

"There'sawholelotofdust,ifyou'remakin'acollection,"hesaid."GouptoMr.Cardew'shousean'tellhimwhat'shappened,an'staybyhimtillIrelieveyou.He'snot tobe letoutofyour sight, and thehousemustbepatrolledatnight.Gotthat?"

"Yes,sir.AmItotellMr.Cardewthathe'sunderpoliceprotection?"

"Tellhimanythin'youlike,"saidSooper."Butwhenheseesyousittin'onthedoorstep,maybehe'llguess.And,Sergeant,ifhewantstogotothewildernessto take measurements, humour him, but let him go when there's plenty ofpeopleinthegrounds.I'mholdin'youresponsibleforhislife,an'ifhe'sfounddeadinhisroomI'lltakenoexcusesfromyou."

"Very good, sir," said Lattimer, and turned back theway he had come. Jimstoodwatchinghimtillhedisappearedonthemainroad.

"Lattimer'sagoodfeller,"saidSooper,"buthe'sgotnoinstincts.Allanimalshavegotinstincts,includingdetectivesergeants,iftheyonlyliketocultivate'em."

"YoutrustLattimerrathermuch,don'tyou,Sooper?"askedJimquietly.

"Don'ttrustanybody,"wasthesurprisingreply."Imayseemtotrusthim,butthat'smyartfulnessan'cunnin'.Tobeagoodpolicemanyou'vegottobeartfulan'trustnobody,notevenyourownwife.That'swhypolicemenoughtnevertomarry.Lattimerwillmakeagooddetectivesoonerorlaterifhedoesn'tgocrook.That'satemptationthatcomestoeveryyoungdetective.Hemixeswithsuchbadcompany."

Theymade their slowwayback toHillBrow,Sooperdevotinghimself to asearch of the dead man's room. He found little of importance except asteamship ticket, a letter of credit for an extraordinarily large sum, and aquantity of English money. There were practically no documents in thedrawers of Elson's writing-table, except tradesmen's bills and the deedconveying Hill Brow. His secretary, an anaemic looking female of middle-age,toldSooperthathehadnocorrespondence.

"Idon't thinkhe readorwroteverywell, poorman!" shewhimpered. "Andhe'snevertakenmeintohisconfidenceabouthisprivateaffairs."

"Perhapshedidn'thaveanyprivateaffairs,"saidSooper.

In thebasement,where the furnacewas, therewasevidenceconfirmingMr.Cardew's suspicions. The furnace was filled with the ashes of burnt paper.There were traces of two books, but what had been their nature, it wasimpossibletosay.

"He certainly had papers of some kind, whether he wrote them himself, orwhethertheywerewrittenforhim;mostcertainlyheburnt'em.Infact,hewaspreparingtodoaquietflit."

Beforereturningtotown,Jimwentuptoseethelawyer.ItseemedtoFerrabythat Mr. Cardew was much less confident about his own immunity fromdanger than he had, from Sooper's description, apparently been in themorning.He sat in his library, a pallidman, ready to jump at every sound,inexpressiblyagitatedbythenewswhichLattimerhadbrought.

"Tragedyontragedy!"hesaidhollowly,asJimwasshownin,"Thisisawful,Ferraby.Whoever would have thought that poor Elson..." he choked. "Youknow,ofcourse,thathewaswarned?SergeantLattimertoldmethestory.Apieceofpaperwaspastedonhisdoortheothernight."

Obviously the warning worried Cardew as much as, if not more than, themurder, forheconstantlycameback to thesubject.Hispassion forcriminalinvestigationwasmomentarily in eclipse. Jim saw the coveredmodel, wellknowingwhat itwas,butMr.Cardewseemed tohave lost interest in it. Jimwas entirely ignorant about the sheet of paper that had been gummed to

Elson's door, and he wondered why the superintendent had not thought itworthhiswhiletotellhimofthisremarkableoccurrence.Probably,hadElsonbeenarrested,thatfactwouldhavecomeout.HementionedthiscircumstanceandCardewstaredathim.

"Elson was to have been arrested? Why?" he gasped. "What had he beendoing?"

"Hehadstolensomething,oratleasthadstolenpropertyinhispossession.Iwasnotparticularlykeenonsigningthewarrant:itisthefirsttimeIhaveeverput,mynametothattypeofdocument:butSooperwassoinsistentthatIfell.Hehadcomeuptoeffectthearrestwhenhediscoveredthemurder."

"ButElsontobearrested?"repeatedCardewincredulously."Ican'tunderstandit. My mind is all muddle and confusion! I hope they will not require myevidenceat theadjourned inquest. Iamcompletelyknockedoutby thisnewhorror."

Andyettherulingpassionmusthavebeenverystrong,forhewenton:"IsitpossiblethatHannahandElsonwerereallymarried,andthatsomeunknownrivaldestroyedthemboth?Therehavebeensuchcases."Hemadeagestureofdespair. "I am a fool to bother my head about these things. Men like thesuperintendent are so much better equipped, for all my learning and mystudies.Iambeginningtofeelasenseofmyowninferiority,"hesaidwithafaintsmile.

LattimerwassittinginthegardenwhenJimwentout.Hehadbroughtachairtotheshadeofthemulberrytree,andwasapparentlyhalfasleep,forhestartedwhenJimcalledhimbyname.

"Thankheavenyou'renotSooper!"hesaid."Thisisadrowsykindofplace."

From where he sat, Jim saw that he commanded a view both of the frontentranceofBarleyStackandthewindowsofMr.Cardew'sstudy.

"DoyoushareSooper'sviewthatMr.Cardewisindanger?"

Jimthoughthedetectedahintofironyinthereply.

"WereyouwithSooperwhenthebodywasfound,Mr.Ferraby?Howwashekilled—shot?"

"Yes,"saidJimquietly,"andwewereluckythatwewerenotfoundwithhim."

Lattimeropenedhiseyes.

"Really?"hesaidpolitely."Didhe,they,orwhoeveritwas,shootatyoutoo?That fellow has some nerve! I thought Sooper was a little peeved. Thataccountsforit.Youdidn'tseetheshooter,Isuppose,Mr.Ferraby?"

"No,"saidJim.Hethoughtthequestionwasalittlesuperfluous.

"Sooperdidn'tseehim,orthinkhesawhim?Sooperhasverygoodeyesight,though he pretends he hasn't. Two years ago he pretended he'd gone stonedeaf,andhalfthestationweredeceived.Shotatyou,eh?"hemused,lookingat Jim with a speculative eye. "That's why they're giving Mr. Cardewprotection!ThisBigFootiscertainlysomebird."Hestifledayawn."Iwasuplatelastnight,"hesaid,andtookoutahandkerchiefandwipedhislips.Ashedidso,Jimwasconsciousofafaintfragrance.

"ThatisavanityIshouldneverimagineyouwouldindulgein,Sergeant,"hesaidgood-humouredly.

"Theperfume?"Lattimer sniffed at the cambric. "My landladyput a satchetamongstmyhandkerchiefs.Idon'tthinkshewilldoitagain."

And then,with a cold sensation at his heart, Jim'smind flashedback to thesceneofthemurder,toSoopersnufflingaboutthebush.Controllinghisvoicewith an effort, he was about to ask a question when Lattimer supplied theanswer.

"Sooperwould raisehell ifhe smelt that.He'sgotaskeena scentasa fox-hound.Thatmanissuperhuman."Heyawnedagain."

"IshouldliketothinkIwasgettingtobedearlytonight,"hesaid.

ItwaslatewhenJimFerrabyreturnedtoWhitehall,buthischiefwasstillattheofficeandsentforhimthemomentheheardhehadarrived.

"You seem to be tumbling into murder cases lately, Ferraby," said old SirRichard."Whatistheinsidestoryofthis?"

Jimtoldhimallheknew,whichwasnotverysatisfying.

"Sooper's in charge," said the chief thoughtfully. "There couldn't be a betterman.Isheverymysterious?"

"Painfullyso."

ThePublicProsecutorlaughed."Thenyoumaybesurethathe'sveryneartoanarrest,"hesaid."It iswhenSooper isopenandfrank that thesituation ismosthopeless."

Jim finished his work, which Sooper's summons had left in arrears, andhurriedofftocallonElfa.ShewasstillatthenursinghomewhenhereachedCubittStreet.Therehadbeenaconsultationbetween the surgeons, atwhichcertain decisions had to be taken, and her consent was necessary. She waslookingfaggedandwearywhenhemetheratthecornerofCubittStreet.

"Theyarenotoperatinguntilnextweek,"shetoldhim,"andMr.Cardewhas

sentmeamosturgentmessageaskingmeifIwillcomedowntoBarleyStack.Hehassomeworkthathewantsdoneatonce,andhesayshecannotleavehishouse."

"YouwillcertainlynotgotoCardew's,"saidJimperemptorily."Hehimselfisunderpoliceprotection,andIcan'tallowyoutorunarisk."

Hewas saved the trial of tellingherofElson'sdeath: shehad read it in theevening newspapers, but her anxiety about her father's health had been sooverwhelming that she had been almost too absorbed to realize what hadhappened.

"Iscarcelyknewhim,"shesaid,"butinanycircumstancesthatwouldnotkeepmeawayfromBarleyStack.OnlyI'msotired,Jim,soutterly,utterlytired!"

"Cardewcanwait,"hesaidresolutely.

ButevidentlyMr.Cardewcouldnotwait.Whenhefollowedthegirlintohersitting-room, the telephonebellwas ringing furiously, and itwas the lawyerwhospoke.Assoonasherealizedwhoitwas,Jimtooktheinstrumentfromherhands.

"It'sFerrabyspeaking,"hesaid."I'vejustcomeinwithMissLeigh,andshe'sfartooknockedouttocomedowntoBarleyStacktonight."

"Persuadeher tocome,"urgedCardew'svoice."Comedownwithher ifyouwish. I should certainly feel safer if there were somebody I knew in thehouse."

"Butwon'tthiswait?"

"No, no! The business is vital!" The trouble in the lawyer's voice carriedacross the wire. "It is absolutely necessary that I should settle my affairsimmediately."

"Butsurelyyoudonotthinkthereisanygreatdanger?"

"Iamcertainofit,"camethevigorousreply."Iwanttogetthethingfinishedandthegirloutofthehousebeforeanytroublecomes.Sooperhasforbiddenmetoleavethegrounds.Couldyounotcomewithher?"

Hewassoinsistentthat,coveringthemouthofthereceiverwithhishand,Jimexplainedthesituationtothegirl.

"Ishereallyinthatstateofmind?"sheaskedinsurprise."IneverdreamtMr.Cardewcouldbesopanic-stricken."Shehesitated."PerhapsI'dbettergo,"shesaid."Willyoutakeme?"

Theprospectofspendinganightunderthesameroof,ofthedrivethroughthecooloftheevening,hadentirelychangedJim'sattitudeonthesubject.Andyet

he could not regard his own selfish wishes as paramount, and he tried topersuade her not to go, but there was a certain half-heartedness in hisargumentwhichshe,womanlike,detected.

"TellhimIwillcomedown,"shesaid."Thechangewillbegoodforme,andperhapsforhimtoo."

Jimdeliveredthemessageandhungupthereceiver.

"I'vebeenkeyingmyselfuptomeet thestrainof theoperation,"shesaid."IsupposethatiswhyIfeelsoflat.Ifyouwillgodowntothecar,Iwillpackmybagsandjoinyou."Shehadhadnodinner,butwouldnotwait."Mr.Cardewdinesverylate,"shesaid,"andhewillprobablybewaitingforus."

In this surmise shewas justified.They foundCardewpacinghis library, hishandsclaspedbehindhim,andthegirlwasshockedatthechangewhichhadcomeoverhimsinceshehadseenhimlast.Inthepresenceofhisdangerheseemed to have aged ten years; and hewas conscious of her concern at hisappearance.

"It was very good of you to come," he said, grasping her hand warmly. "Iwaiteddinner.Ihopeyouhavenotdined?ImaybealittlemorenormalwhenIhaveeatensomething—Ican'tremembermylastmeal!"

Hedidnotasaruleindulgeinwine,butonthisoccasiontherewasagolden-neckedbottleontheice,andundersomeofthestimulantMr.Cardew'sspiritsrose,andheapproachednearertonormality.

"ItispartlythisawfulhappeningtoElsonandpartlytheknowledgethatIamwhat the superintendent calls 'under police protection', which has sothoroughly upsetmy nerves. And yet"—he paused, his glass in hand—'thisinfernalpassionforinvestigationhasbecomesoingrainedinmysystemthatIfindmyselfengagedinwhatMintercalls'the'riesan'deductions'.

Later,heexplainedwhyhehadsentforthegirl.

"InmysanermomentsIdonotimaginethatthereistheslightestdangertomepersonally,"hesaid."AndyetmytrainingasalawyertellsmethatImustbepreparedforanyeventuality.ItcameasashocktomethisafternoontorealizethatIhavemadenowill,thatIhavedonenothingtoputmypapersinorder—infact,thatIamasunpreparedfordissolutionasanylaymanwhosemuddledaffairs occupy the time of our courts. My will I have drafted. WhenMissLeigh has made two copies, I will ask you, Ferraby, to glance over it andwitnessmy signature; one of the servants can be the secondwitness." Andthen,asthegirlwasabouttospeak,hesmiled."Unfortunately,youcannotbeawitness,becauseIhavetakenthelibertyofmakingyoualargebeneficiary."

Hestoppedherprotestwithagesture."Iamanoldman—Ineverfeltsooldin

mylifeasIdotonight—withoutanyrelationswhatever,withveryfewfriends,andveryfewpeopletowardswhomIhaveasenseofcatching."Hesmiled."IhaveatleastmadetheamendehonorabletoSuperintendentMinter,forIhavelefthimmycriminologicallibrary."

Helaughedforthefirsttime,andJimcouldenjoythejoke.

"Imayadd,"Cardewwenton,hiseyestwinkling,"thatIhavealsobequeathedhimasumofmoneywhichwillenablehimeithertobuyahouseinwhichthelibrarycanbedisplayed,or topurchaseamotor-cyclewhichdoesnotmakehis fellow citizens leap out of their shoes every time he brings it on to theroad."

Afterdinner,heand thegirlwent to the library together,andJim, left tohisownresources,strolledouttosmokeacigarinthegarden.Hehadnottakentwostepsbeforetheinevitablewatcherappeared.ItwasnotSergeantLattimer,Jimnoted,butadetectivewhomhehadmetinSooper'soffice.

Theytalkedabouttheweather,andthefinenessofthenight,andtheprospectsof the candidates in the forthcomingDerby—everything, in fact, except theobjectoftheinspector'svigil.Astheypacedupanddownthewalk,theblindsofCardew'sstudywereraised,andhecouldseethelawyersittingatonesideofthedesk,Elfaattheother,andshewaswritingrapidlyathisdictation.

"Isn't that a little dangerous?" asked Jim nervously. "Those peoplemust beplainlyvisiblefromtheplantation."

"Perhapsyou'daskthemtopulldowntheblinds,sir?"saidtheman.

Notwishingtointerruptthelawyerhimself,Jimsentamessageinbyoneoftheservants,andhadthesatisfactionofseeingtheshadesdrawndown.

"Iwonder thatMr. Cardew didn't think of that himself," said the officer. "Iunderstandhemakesahobbyofpolicework."

At that moment, from the plantation came the first few liquid notes of anightingale,andthensilence.

"Perhapsyou'llgoinsidenow,sir?"saidtheofficerrespectfully.

Jimstaredathiminwonder.

"Myrelief iscoming,"explainedtheman,"andSoopermightnot liketoseemetalkingwithyou."

Jimwentintothehousepuzzled.Hestrolleduptohisbedroomandunpackedhissuit-case,whichhehadpickedupattheclub.Afterhehadgiventherelieftimetocomeandgo,hewalkedoutintothegardenagain,andwassurprisedto find the same officer on duty,more surprised to discover that the blindswhichhadbeenpulleddownwere raised,and thatCardewandhissecretary

werevisible.

"Sooper thoughtweought tobeable to see into the room.Hesaidanythingmighthappenbehindclosedblinds."

"WasMr.Minterhere?"

"Onlyforaminute,sir,"saidtheother,andwasnotdisinclinedtocontinuetheconversation. Accepting one of Jim's cigars, he plunged immediately into acomplicatedcomplaintabouttheiniquityofthepolicepensionsystem.ItwasaquartertoonewhenthegirlcameoutandinvitedJimintothelibrary.

"Ithinkwe'vefinishedeverything.It'sratheragruesomebusiness,andmademy blood run cold," she said in a low voice. "And Jim, he's left me anenormoussum!Hereallyoughtnot,butherefusestoalterthewill."

Cardewhadrungforhissleepy-eyedservant,hissignaturewasaffixedtothedocumentandwitnessed.

"I wish you'd keep this," he said, to Jim's surprise, "at least, keep it untiltomorrowmorning,when Iwill send it toaplaceof safety.Thishasbeenaverygoodnight'swork,andIamgladitisthrough."

Hewas calmer,more his old self, brought out, with some pride, themodelcottage,andwouldhavelaunchedforthintoarestatementofhistheoriesbutforthepresenceofthegirl.

"Now,young lady,"he said, "youhadbettergo tobed.Themaidwill showyoutoyourroom:itistheoldoneyouoccupiedwhenyouwereherelast."

She was glad to escape, and, turning the key in the lock with a feeling ofrelief,beganquicklytoundress,andintenminuteswasinbedandhadfallenintoaheavy,dreamlesssleep.

Fromtheplantation,Lattimersawherlightgooutanddrewcloserintowardsthehouse.

XXV. THENOOSE

Tap,tap,tap!

Elfaheardthesoundsinherdream,andstirreduneasily.

Tap,tap,tap!

Itwasthesoundofablindtasselonthewindow,shedecided,half-asleepandhalf-awake.Then,justasshewassinkingagainintoadoze:Tap,tap,tap!

Shewaswide awake now, and raised herself on her elbow. The sound hadcomefromthewindow;itsregularityremovedalldoubtthatitwascausedbyaccident.Thenightwasverystill;notabreathofwindmoved.Shedrewasidetheheavycurtains.Hercasementwindowwaswideopen,as shehad left it.Therewasnosignofadanglingblindtasselthatcouldhavecausedthenoise.Outside,theworldwaswrappedininkydarkness.

Asshelooked,sheheardthesoftcrunchofgravelandherheartleapt,beforesherememberedthatthehousewasbeingpatrolled.

"Isthatyou,MissLeigh?"avoicewhispered.

"Yes,"sheansweredinthesametone."Didyouknockatthewindow?"

"No,miss,"was the staggering reply. "Did you hear somebody knock?Youmusthavebeendreaming."

Shewent back to bed, lay down, but sleep had finished for the night. Andthen:Tap,tap,tap!

Shegotoutofbed,pulledthecurtainsasidegentlyandlistenedintheintensesilence.And thenshewent softly to thewindowand leantout, straininghereyesintothegloombelow.

Shecouldseenobody,butfaraway,towardsthetrees,shesawthedullglowoffire,andguessedthatthewatcherwassmokingacigarette.Whohadtappedat the window? She leant out a little farther and then something hard andsuppledroppedonherheadfromabove.

Beforeshecouldrecoverherself,thenooseaboutherthroathadtightened.Shethrewupahandandclutchedwildlyatthestranglingcord.Itwasdraggingather,pullingheroffherfeet.Shegrippedfranticallyatthewindow-box,andinher struggles thrust it away from her. It fell with a crash. Then, fromsomewhere in thegarden, awhitebeamof light flashedout andcaughther,and at that instant the silken rope relaxed and Elfa staggered back into theroomand fell half-consciousby the sideof her bed, the rope still about herneck.

Theman in the garden tookone leap, caught the top of thewindowcopingbelow and in a few seconds had swung himself into the room and hadswitchedonthelights.Shelookedupintothefaceofamiddle-agedmanwhowasastrangertoher.Hehaddrawntheropefromherneckandlaidheronthebedbeforehewenttothewindowandwhistledshrilly.

Jimheardthesoundandwasoutofhisroominaninstant,guessingfromthedirection that ithadcome fromElfa's room.Heopened thedoor to find thedetectivewithwhomhe hadbeen speaking on the night before, bathing thegirl'sfacewithasponge.

"Look after this lady," said theman curtly and, handing the sponge to Jim,dartedoutoftheroomandupthestairswhichwereimmediatelyoppositethedoor.

Jim heard the sound of his heavy feet in the room above and then a voicehailedhimfromthegarden.

"What'swrongthere?"ItwasSooper.

Elfahadrecoveredconsciousness,andJimpassedtothewindowandinafewwordstoldallheguessedfromtheropeonthefloorandtheredmarksaboutherthroat.

"Leapdownandletmein,"saidSooper.

JimflewdownthestairsasMr.Cardewcameoutofhisroom,arevolver inonehand, a lighted candle in theother.Ferrabydidnotwait to explain, butunbarringthedooradmittedtheoldman.

Bythetimetheyreachedthegirl'sroom,shewassittingupontheedgeofthebed,pullingherdressing-gownaboutherslimshoulders.Herthroatwassore,shewasdizzy,herheadwasswimming,andeverylimbseemedtobeshakingofitsownaccord,butshesucceededintellingherstory.

Atthemomentshehadfinished,thedetectivewhohadgoneupstairsreturned,carryingalongbamboo.

"It is a store-room," he said. "There is a trap-door to the roof. This is all Ifound—hemusthavetappedatthewindowwiththis."

Sooperdidnottroubletotakethebambooinhishand."Hetapsatthewindow,shelooksoutandhenoosesher,"hemuttered."Andthere'sthetrap-dooropenforhim toescape. I tellyou, that feller forgetsnothin'!Upon the roofafterhim!You'vegotagun?Ifyouseehim,shoot...don'tbreakyourneck,It'snotworthwhile,becauseIthinkhe'llhavegonebeforeyoucanstartyoursearch."

Cardew was at the door, clamouring for admission, and with a weariedexpression,Sooperwentouttotellhimthecauseofthecommotion.

"The room above is a store-room and is never used," he explainedsuperfluously.

Soopergrudginglyopenedthedoorandallowedhimtocomein."Knowthis?"hesaid.Hepickeduptherope.Itwasmadeofdarkredsilkandnearlythreeyardsinlength.Theendhadbeenneatlysplicedintoarunningnoose.

Mr.Cardewshookhishead."I'veneverseenthatbefore;"hesaid."Itisanoldfashionedbell-pull, isn't it?Wehavenothingbutelectricbells in thehouse."Heexaminedtheropecarefully."Thisisveryold—"hesaid.

"Iguessedthat,"interruptedSooper."Youcanbuythatsortofthingatalmostany junk shop. Feelin' better, young lady?" She nodded and made a braveattempt tosmile."We'llgetoutan'giveyouachance todress. I thinkyou'dbetter come downstairs. It's nearly three an' early risin' does nobody anyharm."

At that second the detective came back to report his fruitless search of theroof.

"Where'sLattimer?"

"He'satthesideofthehouse,ontheplantation,sir,"saidtheman.

Soopermadenocomment.Whenthegirlhadhurriedlydressedandhadgonedownstairs, he walked out on to the lawn. Suddenly Jim heard those threeliquid notes of melody that had come from the plantation on the previousnight. "I'ma regularnightingale,"admittedSoopermodestly. "Alwayshadagift for bird-calls, but nightingales are my speciality...nightingales an'chickens." And, to Jim's amazement, he gave a remarkable imitation of abrooding hen that at any other time would have moved him to helplesslaughter.

"That you, Lattimer?" called Sooper, as the sergeant came running quicklytowardsthem.

"Yes,sir."

Lattimer came into the light. His clothes were dusty and the knee of onetrouser tornaway. Jimparticularlynoticed thathishandswerecoveredwithgrime.

"What'shappenedtoyou,Lattimer?"

"Ifelldown...Iwasinsuchahurry,"wasthecoolreply.

"Seenanybodyoranythin'?"askedSooper.

"No, I heard a commotion at the house, but I knew you were somewherearound. I thought I'd betterwait in case anybody tried to break through thewood."

IfJimexpectedthesuperintendenttocontinuehiscrossexamination,hewastobedisappointed.Soopergrowledanorderandturnedagainintothestudy,wherethegirlwasputtingalightunderaspiritkettle.

Theyoungmanwasnotsatisfied,and,seizinghisopportunity,slippedoutofthehouse, takingoneof the two torcheswhichMr.Cardewkepton thehalltable,andmadeaninspectionofthehousefromoutside.Hehadnotfartogobefore he made an astounding discovery. At the back of the house a longladder had been reared, and, flashing his lamp upwards, he saw that it

extended to the roof. And then, a little above his own height, he sawsomethinghangingfromtheladder'sside,and,mountingtworungs,hefounditwasapieceofclothofirregularshapethathadcaughtonanailprojectingfrom the side of the ladder. He had particularly noticed that Lattimer waswearing a dark-grey suit with a faint check, which was more obvious byartificiallightthanitwouldhavebeenbyday,andthispieceofclothwasnotonlyof thesamepattern,but thepiececorrespondedinsizewith thehole inthekneeofLattimer'strousers.

Puttingtheclothinhispocket,hewentbacktothehouseand,callingSooperoutside,toldhimwhathehadfound.Sooperlistenedwithoutinterruption,andaccompaniedhimtowhere the ladderwasstanding."That'scertainlyqueer,"saidSooper at last. "ButLattimermayhave seen the ladder andgoneup toinvestigate."

"Hedidn'tsayso."

"No, I admit hedidn't say so," saidSooper. "I'll look into this,Mr.Ferraby.Andifyoudon'tmind,I'dbegladifyouwouldsaynothin'whatever to theotherpeople.Itiscertainlystrangeandalmostsuspicious,butitisquitelikelythatwhatIsaidisright.It'dbehisdutytoinvestigatethatladder."

"Buthedidn'tcomefromthedirectionoftheladderwhenyoucalledhim,hecamefromtheplantation,"insistedJim.

Sooper rubbedhis chin irritably. "That's surelyqueer," he agreed, and againutteredhiswarning."It'slikelyI'mgettin'pastmywork,"hesaid."Thingsarehappenin'thatIdon'teverexpecttohappen,andIcan'tunderstandwhytheyhappen.Whenamangets thatway,he'sgoin'bad. Inhalf anhourwe'll getsomesortoflight,andthenIthinkthedanger'soverforthenight."

He lounged into the library, took some coffee from the girl's hand, and satdownonalowsettee."I'mgoin'totellyousump'n'that'llmaketherosescometoyourcheeks,younglady."

"Tellme?"shesaidinsurprise."Why,whateverdoyoumean,Sooper?"

"Thatoperationonyourfatherwasagreatsuccess."

Shesprangtoherfeet,hercolourcomingandgoing."Operation?Butitisnotuntilnextweek."

"Lastnight,"saidSooper."Iarrangedwiththedoctorsthatyoushouldn'tknowtillitwasallover.ButIthoughtyoumusthaveguessedwhenthematrontoldmeabouttheletteryouleftforhimtoreadassoonashecouldreadanythin'."

"ButI leftnoletter!"shegasped."Ihadnoideathat theoperationwouldbelastnight."

Sooper'seyesnarrowed."Isthatso?"hesaidsoftly.Hegrabbedthetelephoneand gave a number. "She's in bed, is she? Well, wake her up and tell herSuperintendentMinterwantstospeaktoherrightnow!"

Hewaitedwiththereceiverathisear,glaringintovacancy,andthenthegirlsawhisexpressionchange.

"Isthatyou,MissMoody?Aboutthatletter...yes,theonethatMissLeighleftforherfathertoread.Doyoumindopenin'itan'readin'ittome?No,that'llbeallright,I'vegotherpermission."Hewaited,Elfasawhimnod."Yuh!Thankyou,"hesaidatlast."Yes,keepitforme,please."

Hehungupthereceiver.

"Whatwasintheletter?"askedElfa.

"Somebodyplayin' a joke, I think.Tryin' todoyouagood turn. It just said'LovefromElfatoDaddy'...that'sall."

Sooperwasnotspeakingthetruth.Whattheletterhadcontainedwasonelineofwriting,whichran:'Yourdaughterwasstrangledlastnight.'

"Thinksofeverythin',"saidSooper,withacluckofadmiration.

XXVI. MR.WELLS

Mr.Cardewhad takenadecision.Hewouldcloseup thehouse,dismiss theservants,andeither takeahousein townorspendtheremainingdaysof thesummerabroad.

"Thatseemsagoodideatome,andyoucan'tgotoosoon,"saidSooper,whenhewastold."I'dlikeyoutoleavetonight."

Cardewshookhisheadinahesitantway."No,Idon'tthinkIcouldgetawaytonight.Ihavetopack—"

"Acoupleofmymenwillhelpyoutopack."saidSooper.

"I'llstaythenight,"decidedthelawyer,afterconsideration."Perhapsyouwillcomeupanddine?"

Soopershookhishead."Can'tdoit,"hesaid."Gotafriendofminecomin'."

"Bringhimalong."

ItwasSooper's tumtohesitate."Meanstakin'advantageofyou.Thisfeller'snotwhatyoumightcallaswell,andyethe'samanIadmire.Heneverargueswithme,an'he'snotclever.An'whenamandoesn'targuewithmean'he'snot

clever,he'samanaftermyownheart."

"Superintendent,"saidMr.Cardew,"I'veneveraskedyouifyouhaveanyverydefinite views about these outrages which have been committed in ourneighbourhood,or topeopleweknow. Iamgoing toaskyou tonight.Bringyourfriendalongbyallmeans.Mr.Ferrabyhasalsopromisedtocome."

"Younglady,too?"askedSooper.

"No, she's stayingwith her father.We have arranged a room at the nursinghome,sothatshewillbeonhand."

Soopernodded."YouaskmewhetherI'vegotanydefiniteviews.Well,Ihaveand I haven't. I've got views but no proof. And I can't get proof withoutmotive,becauseitstandstoreasonthisfellowBigFootain'tgoingroundthecountrykillin' people tokeephis hand in.That sort of thingdoesn't happenexceptinbooks,andIshouldsaynotinthebestbooks.An'he'snottryin'tostrangleyoungladiessoas theshockshallsendtheirfathersmadagain, justfor the fun ofmurderin'. There's a bit of poetry about 'the tangledwebweweave,whenfirstwepractisetellinglies'."

"Todeceive",correctedMr.Cardewwithafaintsmile.

"It's thesamething,"saidSooperpetulantly."Deceivingis lying,and lying'sdeceiving.And that's justwhat happened to this feller,BigFoot.He starteddeceivin' an' had to go on deceivin', an' every time it looked as thoughSomebodywasgoingtogivehimaway,outcamehislittlegunan'thatwastheendofSomebody.Therearenowhat Imight term 'sportymurderers' in thisworldoutsideoflunaticasylums.Amancommitsmurderforthesamereasonasaboywasheshisneck—becausethere'snootherwayofbeingallowedtogo to the party.And behind all these certain crimes there's a party of somekind, or what's as good as a party. A nice home, motor-cars, champagnesuppers with chorus girls, an' everythin' else that makes life worth livin'. Iknowamanwhopoisonedhiswifebecauseshewouldn'tlethimsmokeinthehouse—that's a fact.You lookup theArmstrong trial an' read the evidence.An'Iknowanothermanwhokilledhisbrotherbecausehewantedmoneytoplay the races.Murder is theonly crime thatpeoplenever commit for itselfalone.That'swhereyoucatch'em.It'seasytohideupamurder,butit'shardtoputawaythelittlecrimesthatledtothemurder.IsFerrabycomingdown?"

"Yes,"noddedCardew.

"That'sfine,"saidSooper.

"There's one thing I wanted to ask you, Superintendent," Cardew broke insuddenly."Mygardenersaysthatyoufoundthemarksofaladderatthebackof the house, so deeply embedded in the grass that they could not be

mistaken."

"There was a ladder there," said Sooper carefully. "I had it shifted beforedaylight, because I didn't want to alarm anybody. I don't know where thatladder came from either, because you haven't got one as long. I'll makeenquiries.Andaboutthisfriendofmine,Mr.Cardew—he'slikeme,hewon'tknowoneknifefromanother,andhe'ssuretogetallhotandbotheredovertheglasses.He'snotmuchofatalkereither."

"You're certainly doing your best to discourage me from inviting him,"laughed the lawyer. "But you can bring him along; I shall be glad tomeethim."

"MannamedWells,"saidSooperabsently.Heseemedtoinvitefurtherinquiry,butevidentlyMr.Cardewwasnotcurious.

Suddenly the superintendent slapped his thigh with an exclamation ofannoyance. "Knew I'd forgotten something! I asked that sergeant of mine,Lattimer,tocomeinandmeethim!"

"BringLattimer too," said the other cheerfully. "Lattimer at leastwill knowwhatknivestouse.Healwaysstruckmeasbeingamanofeducation,alittletoogood..."hehesitated.

"Say it," groaned Sooper. "But he's really not too good for the police,Mr.Cardew. In fact,he'soneof thecomin'men.He'sgot a lineonanthr'pologythat certainly gets me baffled. How many toes has a horse got? Lattimerknows.An'hecantellthedifferencebetweenthestainsproducedbyhigheggsandthestainsproducedbyapremachureexplosionofdynamite."

"Superintendent,you'repullingmy leg,and Iwon't allow it," said thegood-humouredCardew.

Heinsistedongoingtotownthatafternoon,andreluctantlyagreedtoSooper'ssuggestionthatheshouldbeaccompaniedbyapoliceofficer,whotookuphisstation outside King's Bench Walk, while, single-handed, Mr. Cardewconductedhisbusiness.Hehadanumberofletterstowrite;yetfoundtimetophone throughan inquiry to thenursinghome.Whenshe learntwho itwas,Elfacametotheinstrument.

"Howareyoufeelingyourself?"

"Desperately tired," she said. "Iwas just lying downwhen I heard you hadcalled.Areyouintown,Mr.Cardew?"

"Yes,I'mhereforanhour;IamreturningtoBarleyStacktonight.TomorrowIam shutting up the house, and shall be in London for a day or two. Thismeans,Ifear,thatourpleasantassociationisabouttofinish,"headded,"andIhavetakenthelibertyofpostingyouachequeinlieuofnotice.Youremember

theburglaryatthisoffice?Seemsyearsago,doesn'tit?"

"Itwaslastweek,"saidthegirl.

"I'vejustbeengoingthroughmypapers,andIprettywellknownowwhatwasstolenandwhyitwasstolen.EvenSooperwillnotdenymethecreditformydiscovery."

"Whatwas thereason?"sheaskedcuriously,buthewouldnotsatisfyher. Itwas evident, she thought, as she went back to her little room, that Mr.Cardew'srevelationwasofsostupendousanaturethathewouldnottaketheriskofbeingforestalled.

HecamedownintoKing'sBenchWalk,postedhisletters,and,beckoningtohis protector, re-entered the car. He did not see Lattimer, because Lattimertookparticularcaretokeepoutofview.Butthesergeanthadbeenaspectatorboth of his coming and going, and followed him back toBarley Stack in asmall car, so close uponhis heels that, hadMr.Cardew turnedhis head, hecouldnothavefailedtoseehispursuer.

Lattimer did not go up to the house: he shot his car beyond the narrowroadwaywhich led toBarleyStackand turned themachine intoacornfield,drivingitalongbythesideofthehedgetillitwassafefromobservation.OnlythendidhedescendandturnuptheroadonthetrailofCardew.

Hestrolledcarelessly to the lawn,and theofficerwhohadaccompanied thelawyertotownhailedhimwithpleasure.

"Sooper'sbeenaskingforyou,Sergeant."

"I'vebeenaround,"saidtheother."Youcango."

Hefoundachairand,carryingittotheshadeofthemulberrytree,satdown.Mr.Cardew, glancing through the studywindow, sawhimon duty and senthimoutaboxofcigars.

Sergeant Lattimer smiled his thanks through the window. He seemed to beamusedaboutsomething.

XXVII. THEFAREWELLFEAST

"MeetMr.Wells,"saidSoopergrandly.

The little man who was sitting uncomfortably on the edge of a chair inSooper'soffice,roseawkwardlyandputouthislargehand.Hewasamildandinoffensive man, with red hair going grey, carefully parted at the side and

broughtinalargecurloverhisforehead.ItseemedtoJimthathewasunusedtowearingthestiffnewcollarthatencircledhisneck,andfromtimetotimehe moved his head uncomfortably. He wore a silver albert, from whichdependedtwolargeathleticmedals.

"Whoishe?"askedJimwhenhegotSooperbyhimselfforafewminutes.

"He's a reprimand," said Sooper. "He's a blot onmy sheet, he's trouble, an'maybethreemonths'correspondencewiththeDeputy.ButIcouldn'tresistit:Ijusthadtoaskhimdown."

"Is he a detective?" Remembering the physique of the man, it seemedimpossiblethatitshouldbeso.

"No,he'snotadetective,he'safriendofmine.ItoldCardewthekindofbirdhewas—"

"You'renottakinghimuptodinner,areyou?"askedJimaghast.

"Iam,"said thecalmSooper, "and I'll tellyouwhy. Ididn'tknow itwhen Iinvitedhimup,butI'vegotitsince:Cardew'sgoin'togiveusanewtheory—bytheway,you'llbewantedforthatsecondinquestthedayaftertomorrow—and I respect Cardew's theories, but at the same time I want to show himwherehe'swrong.ThisfelleriswhatImighttermthemissin'linkinthecase."

With this explanation, Jim had to b e content.He had not come from townwith any great pleasure; itwas only the thought that hemight affordmoralsupporttoCardewthathadmadehimagreetospendanothernightunderthatfatalroof.HedidnotevenknowSooperwasdiningthereuntilthatgentlemantold him, and the prospect of sitting vis-a-vis this very commonplace andnervousmanaddedlittletohishappiness.

"It'sCardew'sfarewelldinner.Tomorrow,ifhe'salive..."

"Youexpectsomethingtohappentonight?"

Soopernodded."Ifhe'salivetomorrow,he'sgoingtotown,andfromLondonhe's going abroad. Mr. Leigh's operation was successful." He turned thesubject inhisquaintway. "Recognizedhisdaughter thisafternoon,an' that'sgood.Buthe'sstilltooweaktomakeastatement.What'sworryin'metodeath,Lattimerwillbethere."

"Atdinner?"

Sooper nodded solemnly. "You'll like Lattimer: he can eatwith both hands,andhasneverbeenknowntodrinkwateroutofafinger-bowl.Lattimer'sgotswellmanners,an'he'sawhaleonpsychology.Weought tohaveapleasantevenin' when him an' Mr. Cardew get on to Lombosso, the well-knownthe'rist."

Jimwentuptothehousebeforetheothers,andthelawyeraskedhimnot todressfordinner."I'vetoldSoopertocomeup,andhe'sbringingLattimer,hissergeant,andafriend...haveyoumethisfriend?"

Jimsmiled."Ihopeyou'renotgoingtobeveryshocked,buthe looksratherlikeanoddmantome."

"Hemustbeprettyoddifhe'safriendofSooper's,"saidCardewdryly."I'mgetting into the habit of calling himby that absurd namemyself. Ferraby, Ishall miss this place. I'm only now beginning to realize how much I amattached toBarleyStack. I'vehadaveryhappy timehere,"hesaid ina lowvoice.

"Youexpecttocomeback?"

Cardewshookhishead."No.Ishallsellthisplace:I'vealreadywrittentoanagent asking him to negotiate the sale. In all probability I shall take upmyresidence in Switzerland, and endeavour, in my humble way, to add mycontributiontotheliteratureofcriminology.Ishallcertainlyearntheundyingscorn of Superintendent Minter,"—his lips curled—"but for that I must beprepared."

"Youreallydon'tthinkthatyou'reindanger,doyou,Mr.Cardew?"

Tohis surprise,Cardewnodded."Yes, I think I'm in thegravestdanger.Forthenextfewyearsatanyrate,Iintendresidingabroad.Andthesuperintendentagreeswithme."Glancingoutofthewindow,hesawLattimerathispost."Icouldn't endure very much of this protection," he said; "it would drive memad!Nowtellmeaboutthesuperintendent'soddfriend."

Jimdescribedhimwithgreaterfaiththankindness.

"It doesn't seem that hewill add greatly to the gaiety of the evening," saidCardew,"butIreallyhadtoinvitethemboth.Sooperhadaskedhimdownfortheevening,and Iparticularlywantedourold friendatwhat isvirtuallymyfarewell dinner. I wish," he said with a sigh, "it could have been given inhappiercircumstances,andthatdeargirlcouldhavebeenhere.Buttheoutragewhichwas attempted last nightwas the last straw...I could not risk anothershocklikethat."

ItwastenminutesafterthetimefixedforthedinnerwhenSoopercame,withthe red-hairedman riding pillion behind him, and anything funnier than thespectacleofthegauntsuperintendentandhisnervouslittleguestclutchinghimbythewaistJimdidnotremember.

"MeetmyfriendMr.Wells."

Cardewshookhands.

"Lattimer,meetMr.Wells."

Thesergeantcameforwardandjoinedthetwo.

"Now,"saidCardew,"Ithinkwehadbetterstartdinner.Thesoupisalreadyonthetable."

Theyfollowedthelawyerintothedining-room;Cardewindicatedtheirplaces,andtheysatdown.Itwasnottruethatthesouphadbeenserved,butthemaidwasladlingitoutonthesideboard,andpresentlytheplateswereset.TheredhairedmanlookedappealinglyatSooper,andSooperliftedtheonebigspoon.

"Thatone!"hesaidinahoarsewhisper,andthen,inhisnaturalvoice:"Beforewestartthisfarewelldinner,I'msurprisedthatnobodywantstoknowwhomyfriendMr.Wellsis."

"IconfessIamoneofthecurious,"saidMr.Cardew.

"Stand up,Mr.Wells.MeetMr. Cardew, the lawyer.Mr.Cardew,meetMr.TopperWells,"—hepaused—"publicexecutionerofEngland!"

Cardewshrankback,hisfacepuckeredupintoanexpressionofdistrust,andevenJim,staringhorrifiedatthenervouslittleman,hadafeelingofsickness.

"Meet him, Lattimer.Maybe you'vemet him?And you'll meet him again."Sooper's eyes were fixed upon the sergeant. "And don't touch that soup,Lattimer.Noranyofyou,because—"

"Whatdoyoumean—"beganMr.Cardew.

"Becauseit'sdoped,"saidSooper.

Cardewsatbackfromthetable,thesamelookofsurpriseanddistrustonhisfacethatJimhadseenbefore."Poisoned?"

"Poisoned,"saidSooper.Andagain:"MeetWells,thehangman.And..."

It happened before he could realize the man's intention. With one stride,Cardewwasatthedoor;inasecondhewasthroughandthelocksnapped.

"Window,quick!"saidSooper."Takeachairtoit.He'sfastenedthewindow,youcanbet."

A heavy chairwielded byLattimer crashed through thewindow. In anothersecondthesergeanthadfollowed.

"Roundtothebackofthehouse,"gruntedSooper."Oughttohavehadanothersquadondutyuphere!"

Jimwas running, he did not knowwhere orwhy.Hismindwas in awhirl.Cardew?Impossible!

Theycameintothestable-yardpanting.Cardewwasnowhereinsight.Sooperpulled open a door that was unfastened. Beyond was a path which slopeddowntoasideroad.Itwasthetradesmen'sentrancetothekitchen.

For a second they saw him, just his headmovingwith extraordinary speedlevelwiththetopofthehedge.Andthenhewasgone.

"Motor-bicycle,"saidSooper,"thesameashehadinhisflivverwhenhekilledHannahShaw.That'showhegotawaywithoutgoingthroughPawsey.Acrossthe fieldpath, liftinghis bicycleover the stile.Get your car,Ferraby...get itquick!"

Sooperflewbacktothelibrary,andhehadonlytoliftthehooktoknowthatthelinehadbeencut.

"Thinksofeverythin',"hesaidunderhisbreath."Cutbeforedinner, too.Hewasmightysurehewouldputusalltosleep."Ashecamebacktothedrive,Lattimerwas climbing into the car. "Don't stop!" yelled Sooper, and swunghimselftotherunning-boardasthemachinegatheredspeed.

Therewasapatrolatthecross-roads,butnomotor-cyclisthadbeenseen.

"Hedoubledback,"saidSooper,lookingattheskyanxiously."It'llbedarkinhalfanhour."

There were three roads which the fugitive might have taken. The first, thedirect route through Isleworth; the second, a longer way round throughKingston intoRichmondPark; the third, one of themany field paths in theneighbourhood.

Sooperdrovebacktothestationtogivehisinstructions."Cardew'sorderedaprivate machine tonight to fly him from Croydon to Paris," he said. "He'llguesswe'llstopthat,sowe'llrulethatout.HisonlyhopeistogettoLondon,and thathe'lldo. I tellyou, this feller'saprettyquick thinker,andheseesalongwayahead."

Hecameoutofthestationandstood,gloomilysurveyingthecar.

"Yes,he'llgotoLondon,butnottohisflatandnottohisoffice.Boundtohavea bolt hole somewhere. He'll be easy to recognize"—he was speaking tohimself—"sohewon'ttrytherail,andcertainlywon'ttryacar,andI'mbettin'againsthimgoin'byair."

Whentheyarrivedintown,Sooper'sfirststepwastodoubletheguardatthenursinghome,hisnexttopayavisittoCardew'stownapartments.Thelawyerhad not been there, he learnt, nor had he been seen inKing's BenchWalk.JoiningJiminthestreet,heacceptedhisinvitationtojoinhiminahastymeal.

"Yes,CardewkilledHannahShaw.Shehadapullonhimandwantedtomarry

him.Hehatedherworsethanpoison.Andsheheldoverhisheadaletterhe'dwrittenyearsandyearsago,an'threatenedtoexposehimtillheagreed.Theyweremarried thedayshewasmurdered,atNewburyRegistryOffice, in thenameofLynes.Shedidn'tmindthenamesolongasshegothim.Butshewasdetermined that he should acknowledge her, so shewiredMissLeigh to godowntothecottagethatsheshouldbeawitness.Hegottheletter—thatwasthepriceofhermarriage—andthenheshother.Hearrangedtomeetherafterthemarriage—thatbluffCardewputonyon,thathewantedsomebodytogowithhimtothetheatre,waseasystuffbecauseheknewyouwereengagedforthenight.Buthedidn'tknowhow.

"Heusedtobeamotor-cyclist,andtherewasamachineinoneoftheroomsatthehouse. I saw themarksof thehandlebarswhen Iwasgiving theplacealookover.He'darranged tomeethiswife late thatnight; theywere todrivedowntothecottagetogether,butonsomeexcusehepersuadedhertolethimrideinthebackpartofthecar,andcroucheddownsothatnobodycouldseehim.Hethoughtofeverything,Itellyou!Heplannedthehatsheshouldwearandthecoat.Andwhenheshotherheputiton,becauseshe'dtoldhimaboutthegirlcoming,andhewasafraidhemightmeetherontheway."

"Butwhy...inheaven'snamewhy?Hewasarichman."

"Richnothin',"saidSooper."He'dgotmoney...yes,buthowdidhegetit?I'lltell you the whole story, and though I'm guessin' some of it, Leigh won'tcontradictme.I'llbetmoneyonthat!

"Mr.LeighwasaTreas'ryofficial;camefromAmericainthelastdaysofthewar,bringingover inhispersonalchargefour largeboxesofcurrency.Theywerenumbered1,2,3,and4.Yourememberhetalkedalotabout'3'and'4'?TheshipwastorpedoedinastormoffthesouthcoastofIreland,butrescuedbyadestroyer.Theyonlyhadtimetogettwooftheboxesonboardbeforethevessel sank, and the little destroyer, with all her wireless blown to blazes,made thebestofherwayacross theIrishChannelandup theEnglishcoast.The storm lasted for three days. She could neither make harbour norcommunicatewiththeshore,untilshecameintoPawseyBay;andthatwasherbadluck.ShewasblownoutofthewaterbyaGermansubmarine.

"Now at that time," Sooper went on, "Cardew was broke, and worse thanbroke.Hehadalotofmoneyentrustedtohimbyhisclients,andhehadlostitineverykindoffoolishspeculation.Oneofhisclientsstartedmakin'afuss—amannamedBrixton,aCityalderman—andheevenwrotetotheYard,andsaidhehadastatement tomake to thepolice. Iwassentdownto interviewhim,havin'gotalineastothetrouble,an'knowin'prettywellfromthingsI'dheardthatCardewwasinQueerStreet.Insteadofhearin'thestory,Igotamessagefrom Brixton saying that he had nothin' to communicate. And for a good

reason...he'dbeenpaid.Andwhyhadhebeenpaid?I'lltellyou."

Sooperdrankalargeglassofbeer.

"This fellowCardewwas inhis cottageon thenightof the shipwreck.He'dmadeuphismindwhathewasgoingtodo.Hewasgoingtorowout toseaanddrownhimself.Butbeforehewent,bein'alawyeran'somewhatprecise,hewrotealonglettertothecoroner,givin'afullconfessionoftheamountofmoneyhe'dstolenfromhisclients.An'thenheheardtheexplosion.Hisskiffwasonthebeach,andforafewminuteshemusthavebeenahumanman.Hedroveintothesea,andfoundtwomenclingin'toaraft.You'llhearsomedaythatboxes3and4werelashedtoaraft,whichwascarriedonthemaindeckofthedestroyer.Hegot themoff and towed themashore.Oneof themenwasLeigh,nearlydead.TheotherwasElson,acattle-manwhohadshippedasastokertogetoutofthehandsofthepolice.ElsonknewaboutthemoneyandtoldCardew.Theygottheboxeshighan'dry,an'thenLeighrecovered.Elsonknew that themoneywas inhis charge, and that theonlyhopeofgetting itwastoputhimout.HemayormaynothaveconsultedfriendCardew,buthecertainlyhitJohnLeighovertheheadwithanaxeandflunghimintothesea.

"Howheescaped,Godknows!All traceofhimwas lost for twelvemonths,but there is a possibility that he crawled into Pawsey, where there was amarinehospital,andthathewasthereforthegreaterpartofthefirstyear.I'veseenarecordattheAdmiraltyofanunknownmanwhowastreatedforascalpwound,andthereportismarked'Mentallydeficient.Dischargedtoinfirmary'"

"I don't know whether Cardew was in it...maybe he was. But they got theboxesintothecottage,andHannahhadtoknow.Shewasstayingthereatthetime,lookingafterCardew.Theboxeswereopened,themoneytakenout,andthewooddestroyed.Theyhad to sharewithHannah, and it's likely that sheknewfor thefirst timethe terribleposition thatCardewwas in.Mythe'ry isthattheletterwaswrittenandsignedwhentheexplosiontookCardewoutofdoors. She had a chance of readin' the letter, which he'd hid andwhich heprobablyforgotallabout."

"Butyouguessthis?"

"I know...the envelope written to the coroner told me a lot. I've dealt withsuicides.

"CardewhadahouseatBarleyStack,onwhichtherewereheavymortgages.Hepaidoffthemortgages,metallthedemandsofhiscreditors,andgotoutofhisbusiness, ashecouldwellafford todo.Hemighthavegoneon foreverandever,onlyHannahhadherambitions.Shewantedtotaketheplaceofthewomanwhohadbefriendedher,andshenevergaveCardewaminute'speace.Once she put the initials of the lost ship on the grass under hiswindow to

remindhimofthepullshehadonhim—yourememberthat?"

"Buthaveyouknownallthislong?"

Sooper nodded. "You bet I've known a lot of it!" he said. "The thing Iwasscared aboutwaswhatwouldhappen toElson, oncehegot it intohis thickheadthatCardewhadkilledthewoman.IhadplantedLattimeronhimmonthsbefore.Lattimerwentupandborrowedmoneyfromhim;soastomakeElsonfeelthathehadhimunderhisthumb.Iwashopin'thatonenight,whenhewasdrunk,Elsonwouldblow thewhole story.Lattimerhad toplaycrook,and Imust say he did it alarmingly well. He carried out an my instructions—allexceptone,whenhefollowedmeuptotown,becausethedarnedfoolthoughtthatCardewwaswaitin'forme."

"ThenitwasCardewwhotriedtostrangleMissLeigh?"

"Yes, sir. Lattimer was on the roof—that was his station.We'd planted theladderthereassoonasitgotdark.He.heardthetapping,butcouldn'tseewhatwashappenin'tillthetrapdoorcameopenwithacrash.ThenLattimerwaited,expectin' somebody to comeout, andwhen theydidn't, he guessed themanwhothoughtofeverythin'wasputtin'upablind,andsliddowntheladderasquickashecould."

Jimwasoverwhelmedbywhathehadheard."Whatdidyoumeanwhenyouasked Cardew if his hands were scratched that morning he was foundchloroformed?"

"Andwhyhewasfoundchloroformed?"askedSooper,withanabsurdsmirkof satisfaction. "He tried a very elementr'y trick. Picked up a man on theEmbankment and sent him to themessenger officewith poisoned food. Bygoodluckwefoundthetrampandputhiminside.IcameuptoCardewwithafairy-taleaboutwantin'himtocross-examinethisfeller,andIhadtouseyouas agoat, an' I'm truly sorry,Mr.Ferraby.Cardew fell for it at once,until ImentionedcasualthatthemanwastheguyhepickedupontheEmbankment,andthenheknewthat,themomenthespoketothisSullivan,Sullivanwouldrecognizehisvoice.That'swhyIaskedhimtocomedownandcross-examinehim.Therewasonlyonewaytogetoutofit,andthatwasforCardewtofakeastoryofbeingchloroformed.Hekeptawholelotofdrugsonthepremises.Hesoakedawadof lint, threwthebottleoutof thewindow,layonthebed,andverynearlywentout.Infact,itwasanarrowescapeforCardew—he'sgotaweakheart.WhenIwasexaminin'hisfingers,Iwassmellin' 'em,andtheysmeltofchloroform. I'vegotanose for scents.Thedayheshotatus in thebushIcouldstillsmellit.There'salotofcleverfellerswho'lltellyouthatthesmell of chloroform will disappear in half a minute. You can send 'em toPatrickMinterandhe'lltell'emdifferent.

"Mr.Ferraby, I'mnotgoin' to speakagainstamateur investigatorsanymore.That Cardew learnt a lot of things quick. I'm gettin' a high respect foranthr'pology,an'psychologyhasgoneintothefirstclass.

"Thatburglaryattheoffice,whenheburntallHannah'spapers.Itmusthavebeenhim,becausehedidn'tpulldowntheblindandputthelighton—hecouldfind his way in the dark! There was a month-old memo caught up in theblind."

Heputdownhistankardwithagaspandclaspedhisforehead."Ileftthatlittlehangmanwithnowheretogo,"hesaidhollowly.

"Whyonearthdidyoubringhimatall?"

"Itwas the last straw.We tried to frightenElson into talkin'.Lattimer put awarnin'onhisdoor,andneverdreamtwhattheresultwouldbe.ThoughtElsonwouldcomeacrosswiththewholestory.Buthedidn't.Likeafool,afterhe'dheardLeighsingin'inthewood,hegotonthephoneandtoldCardew.IknowbecauseI'dgotthetelephoneexchangestraightened.That'swherethetroublebegan.Cardewcamedowntoputmylightoutthatsamenight.I'lltellyouthetruth,Mr.Ferraby:IgotCardewwrong.ThoughtI'dgothisnervessojangledup that he'd drop thewhole story. That feller's clever!"He shook his head."ThatBigFoot—"

"BigFoot?"

"Surely,BigFoot.I'vegot 'eminmyroomunderthebed.Pairofpropbootsthat he bought from a theatrical man, a feller in Cath'rine Street. He neverforgotanythin',preparedforeverythin'!Hehadthosetrickfeetreadytoleavehismarkonthesandandthrowallthecleverpoliceofficersoffthetrack.Onlyheleft'emundertheseatofthecarandIfound'em.ThatstoryaboutHannahShawgettin'athreatenin'letterwasastall,SheneverhadaBigFootletter—Cardewwasmakin'preparations."

JimFerrabysatbackandgazedinopen-mouthedadmirationatSooper.

"You'reagenius!"hebreathed.

"Deduction an' the'rizin'," said Sooper modestly. "And I've just had abrainwave!There'sanotherwayoutofLondon!"

Itwashalf-pastoneo'clockinthemorning,andthegreatwaterwayofLondonwassilentanddeserted.Faraway to thenorth the reflectedglareof thearc-lamps of dockland glowed in the sky. A big sea-going motor-boat camesilently down the falling tide, its green and red lamps reflected in the stillwater.

Itmovedsteadily,asthoughitsownerwereinnogreathurrytoleavebehindhimthelightsoftheromanticriver.

OppositeGravesendthespeedincreasedalittle,asitturnedtothelefttoavoidamooredsteamer.Ithadnearlypassedthevesselwhen,fromtheshadowofthebigboat,cameafussylittlelaunchthatswungbroadsideoverthebowsofthemotor-boat.

"Whoareyou?"boomedavoicefromthedarkness.

"Motor-boatCecily—owner theCountdeFreslac.Bound forBruges," cametheanswer.

Theboatsdriftednearerandneareruntilthelaunchhadswungalongside.Andthen theownerof themotor-boat seemed to realizehisdanger.Therewas asplutterandroarofengines,andtheboatalmostleaptforward.Butbynowthelaunchwasgrappled,andSooperwasthefirstonboard.

"Bitofluckforme,Cardew.NeverthoughtI'dcatchyoufirstpop."

"Even your theories and deductionsmust be right sometimes," saidCardewpleasantly,asthehandcuffssnappedoverhiswrists.

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