e fer 'im if 'e's engaged, and if not, I'd like ter see 'im.
Say it's important."

"News from the Front, eh? Fahnd out 'oo committed that there crime last
night, I don't think," said Jarvis, with his heavy humour. "Well, I'll
send along Minnie after him. Dinner's bein' prepared, and no doubt your
boss'll be dressin'. If 'e ain't nosin' round after clues, with that
there fat Superintendent. Wot's 'e, anyway?--your Mr. Deland? Amachoor
detective?"

Dollops nodded.

"That's the line. Tell 'im I've got summink ter say about his blue
trousers wot I've been a-pressing at the Three Fishers. An' it's most
important."

"Oh!--very. Blue trousers is an important matter when a man's been
murdered in 'is own 'ome, I take it. Orl right, orl right; don't lose
yer temper, sporty. I'll see to it at once. Like ter go up to 'is room,
would yer?"

"No. Rather wait 'ere for 'is message."

"Very well. Sit down and make yerself comfortable, and no doubt there'll
be a bite er dinner fer yer, if you're patient. Won't say 'no' to a
nibble er chicken, I lay, follered with a dash er Peach Melba?... I
thought not."

So saying, the garrulous Jarvis proceeded kitchenward to summon Minnie
and entrust her with the message for Mr. Deland, and then returned to
the servants' hall and passed the rest of the time with Dollops, talking
of London--a subject which appeared to be dear to both their hearts, and
which certainly gave them something in common with each other.

Minnie returned in ten minutes bearing a little note upon her silver
salver, which she presented to the smiling Dollops with a mock bow and a
courtesy. She was a pert little country thing, with a trick of the eye
that took a man's heart.

"'Ere's a note fer yer lordship," she said smartly. "Your gentleman says
'e's sorry 'e can't get down, and it don't matter about the blue
trousies a particle. And 'e don't need you this evenin', so that you kin
explore the countryside if yer want to. Wot say to a little walk, Mr.
Ginger-'Air? It's my evenin' out, and I don't mind if I do."

Dollops winked and nudged her with his elbow.

"You're a pretty piece, _you_ are, and if we was in Lunnon I'd be takin'
you to the pickshurs," he returned with a grin. "But I've an appointment
rahnd about ten o'clock up in the village. I'm yer man till then,
Saucer-Eyes. No, Mr. Jarvis, a bit of dinner, as you s'y, wouldn't go
quite amiss. I'm that 'ungry me insides rattle."

And while Jarvis was carving t