alter has lived at the
Abbey as Lord Chobham's secretary and companion. The general likes
to live abroad a good deal, and his son Rupert is always away on some
sporting or exploring expedition or another."

"It's very strange," Ella said again. "I'm sure I've seen Walter
Dunsmore before but I can't think where."

Allen came from the bar, having quenched his thirst for the time being,
and they started off, arriving back at Bittermeads fairly early in the
evening, for Dunn had brought them along at a good rate, and apparently
remembered the road so well from the afternoon that he never once had
occasion to refer to the map.

He took the car round to the garage, and Allen and Ella went into the
house, where Allen made his way at once to the breakfast-room, searching
for more whisky and cigars, while Ella, after a quick word with her
mother to assure her of their safe return, went to find Deede Dawson.

"Ah, dear child, you are back then," he greeted her. "Well, how have you
enjoyed yourself? Had a pleasant time?"

"It was not for pleasure we went there, I think," she said listlessly.

He looked up quickly, and though his perpetual smile still played as
usual about his lips, his eyes were hard and daunting as they fixed
themselves on hers. Before that sinister stare her own eyes sank, and
sought the little travelling set of chessmen and board that were before
him.

"See," he said, "I've just brought off a mate. Neat isn't it?
Checkmate."

She looked up at him, and her eyes were steadier now.

"I've only one thing to say to you," she said. "I came here to say it.
If anything happens at Wreste Abbey I shall go straight to the police."

"Indeed," he said, "indeed." He fingered the chessmen as though all his
attention were engaged by them. "May I ask why?" he murmured. "For what
purpose?"

"To tell them," she answered quietly, "what I--know."

"And what do you know?" he asked indifferently. "What do you know that
is likely to interest the police?"

"I ought to have said, perhaps," she answered after a pause, "what I
suspect."

"Ah, that's so different, isn't it?" he murmured gently. "So very
different. You see we all of us suspect so many things."

She did not answer, for she had said all she had to say and she was
afraid that her strength would not carry her further. She began to walk
away, but he called her back.

"Oh, how do you think your mother is today?" he asked. "Do you know,
her condition seems to