ord Caranby.

"I did not expect to see you here," said the detective.

"I come in place of my nephew. He is unwell," said Caranby; "present
me to Senora Gredos, if you please, Mr. Jennings."

CHAPTER XII

JENNINGS ASKS QUESTIONS

"Will you play, Lord Caranby?" asked Maraquito, when the introduction
had been accomplished.

"Pardon me, not at present: in a little time," said the old nobleman,
with a polite bow and his eyes on the beautiful face.

"As you like," she answered carelessly; "everyone who comes here does
just as he pleases. Is your nephew coming?"

"I fear not. He is unwell."

Maraquito started. "Unwell. Nothing serious, I hope?"

"A slight cold."

"Ah! Everyone has colds just now. Well, Lord Caranby, I hope to have
a conversation with you later when someone else takes the bank."

Caranby bowed and moved away slowly, leaning on his cane. Jennings, who
was beside him, threw a glance over his shoulder at Senora Gredos.

Maraquito's face was pale, and there was a frightened look in her eyes.
Catching Jennings' inquisitive look she frowned and again addressed
herself to the game. Wondering why Lord Caranby should produce such an
effect, Jennings rejoined him at the end of the room, where they sat on
a sofa and smoked. "Have you been here before?" asked the detective.

"No," answered the other, lighting his cigar, "and it is improbable
that I shall come again. My reason for coming--" he broke off--"I can
tell you that later. It is sufficient to say that it has to do with
your conduct of this case."

"Hush!" whispered Jennings quickly, "my profession is not known here."

"I fear it will be if these two have tongues in their heads."

The detective glanced towards the door and saw Hale enter with Clancy
at his heels. Jennings had not seen them since the inquest on the body
of Miss Loach, when they had given their evidence with great grief and
frankness. He was annoyed at meeting them here, for although he had
seen them in Maraquito's salon before, yet at that time they had not
known his profession. But since the inquest the knowledge was common
property, and doubtless they would tell Senora Gredos if they had not
done so already. Jennings' chances of learning what he wished would
therefore be slight, as everyone is not willing to speak freely before
an officer of the law.

"It can't be helped," said Jennings with a shrug; "and, in any case,
Maraquito is too anxious to stand w