stroyer, had been there
in the same garden, within a few yards of the third death, and yet was
no nearer my proofs! And to add to my difficulties, there was the
certainty that an innocent man would suffer unjustly if I could not
succeed in time."

He paused, looking grimly out at the passing scenery.

"And if I had not sent Tranter to the Crooked House yesterday, I do not
know how I could have succeeded in time."

He turned abruptly from the window, put his feet up on the seat, and
closed his eyes.

"I am a little tired," he said. "If you will excuse me, I will take a
nap."

He slept for an hour.

* * * * *

They got out at a small country station. The shadows of the hot twilight
were merging into darkness. A few minutes walking brought them to an
inn, at which Monsieur Dupont demanded, and obtained, a conveyance.

For half an hour they drove through the heavily scented air of the
country. Scarcely a word was spoken until they reached another village.
There, Monsieur Dupont requested the inspector to alight and they
proceeded on foot.

The red rear-light of a motor-car appeared at the turn of a corner.
Monsieur Dupont drew a deep breath.

"_Le bon Dieu_ be thanked!" he muttered.

The car was stationary and empty. Monsieur Dupont laid a hand on the
radiator.

"It is hot," he said. "They have only been here a few minutes. Do not
make a sound."

He opened a gate. The long low shape of a house was in front of them.
They stood still, listening. There was no sound, no light.

"To the back," Monsieur Dupont whispered.

CHAPTER XXXI

WHAT THEY HEARD

They crept round the house. At the back a pair of French windows were
open, but heavy curtains were drawn across them. No light was visible.
They listened. A voice was speaking--slowly, scarcely above a whisper,
but a whisper of contemptuous pride.

"Yes," it said, "I am the Destroyer! I was born to kill. It was the
curse of my birth."

The silence of the room was broken only by the faint sound of a woman
sobbing. Monsieur Dupont and the inspector drew nearer to the window.

"You fools!" said the arrogant voice. "What are your laws of Right and
Wrong to me? I _am_ Right and Wrong. What are your Codes of Sin? I _am_
Sin. Who are you to judge me? Who are you to set your little laws
against My Madness?"

There was a long pause. Then the voice continued, in a tone of dull
bitterness.

"Ever since I had strength to b