and after nearly
a couple of hours searching in every nook and every crack I succeeded.
It was hidden in the mould of a small pot-fern, standing in the
corridor outside the room."

"You examined the safe, then?"

"No, I didn't. There might be money and valuables within, and I had no
right to open it without the presence of a witness. I've waited for
you to accompany me. We'll go there after luncheon and examine its
contents."

"But the executors might have something to say regarding such an
action," I remarked.

"Executors be hanged! I saw them this morning, a couple of dry-as-dust
old fossils--city men, I believe, who only think of house property
and dividends. Our duty is to solve this mystery. The executors can
have their turn, old chap, when we've finished. At present they
haven't the key, or any notion where it is. One of them mentioned it,
and said he supposed it was in the widow's possession."

"Well," I remarked, "I must say that I don't half like the idea of
turning out a safe without the presence of the executors."

"Police enquiries come before executors' inventories," he replied.
"They'll get their innings all in good time. The house is, at present,
in the occupation of the police, and nobody therefore can disturb us."

"Have you told Thorpe?"

"No. He's gone up to Scotland Yard to make his report. He'll probably
be down again this afternoon. Let's finish, and take the ferry
across."

Thus persuaded I drained my ale, and together we went down to the
ferry, landing at Kew Gardens, and crossing them until we emerged by
the Unicorn Gate, almost opposite the house.

There were loiterers still outside, men, women, and children, who
lounged in the vicinity, staring blankly up at the drawn blinds. A
constable in uniform admitted us. He had his lunch, a pot of beer and
some bread and cheese which his wife had probably brought him, on the
dining-room table, and we had disturbed him with his mouth full.

He was the same man whom Ambler Jevons had seen in the morning, and as
we entered he saluted, saying:

"Inspector Thorpe has left a message for you, sir. He'll be back from
the Yard about half-past three, and would very much like to see you."

"Do you know why he wants to see me?"

"It appears, sir, that one of the witnesses who gave evidence this
morning is missing."

"Missing!" he cried, pricking up his ears. "Who's missing?"

"The manservant, sir. My sergeant told me an hour ago that as soon a