ired Mr. Llewellyn John.

"'Few women pass unperfumed to the grave,'" quoted Malcolm Sage. "I
think it was Craddock who said that," he added, and Mr. Llewellyn
John made a mental note of the phrase.

"The handle of the safe door was corrugated, and the lacquer had
worn off, leaving it rough to the touch. When I kneeled down before
the safe it was not to examine the metal work, but to see if the
thief had left a scent."

"A scent?" repeated Sir Lyster.

"On the handle of the door there was a distinct trace of perfume,
very slight, but I have a keen sense of smell, although a great
smoker. On the document itself there was also evidence of a rather
expensive perfume, not unlike that used by Miss Blair. Furthermore,
it was bent in a rather peculiar manner, which might have resulted
from its being carried in the belt of a woman's frock. It might, of
course, have been mere chance," he added; "but the envelope did not
show a corresponding bend."

Again Lord Beamdale nodded appreciatively.

"Although several people have had an opportunity of taking a wax
impression of the key, the most likely were Miss Blair and Walters--
that, however, was a side issue."

"How?" enquired Sir Lyster.

"Because primarily we were concerned with making the criminal
himself or herself divulge the secret."

"That's why you would not allow the loss to be made known," broke in
Mr. Llewellyn John.

"The thief," continued Malcolm Sage, with a slight inclination of
his head, "would in all probability seize the first safe opportunity
of getting rid of the plunder."

"But did you not suspect the Japanese?" broke in Lord Beamdale.

"For the moment I ruled him out," said Malcolm Sage, "as I could not
see how it was possible for him to know about the existence of the
document in question, and furthermore, as he had been in the house
less than two days, there was no time for him to get a duplicate
key."

"What did you do then?" queried Sir Lyster.

"I motored back to town, broke in upon the Postmaster-general's
first sleep, set on foot enquiries at the Admiralty and War Office,
in the meantime arranging for The Towers to be carefully watched."
Malcolm Sage paused for a moment; then as none of his hearers spoke
he continued:

"I had a number of people in the neighbourhood--motorists, cyclists,
and pedestrians. No one could have left the house and grounds
without being seen.

"Miss Blair found the morning irresistible, and took an early sp