es. Instinctively his hands
clenched. Then regaining a little control of himself he wheeled about
without a word. His hand was on the handle of the door when the
superintendent's suave voice brought him to a halt.

"Oh, by the way, Sir Ralph, you might look at this before you go, and
say whether you recognise it."

He held his clenched hand out, and suddenly unclasped it to disclose the
miniature set in diamonds.

Sir Ralph gave a start. "By Jove, it's little Lola of Vienna!" he
exclaimed. Then realised that he had been trapped. "But I shall tell you
nothing about her," he snapped.

"Thank you, Sir Ralph," said the other quietly.

"But this I think it right you should know," went on Fairfield, standing
with one hand still on the handle of the door: "When Grell was with me
last night he showed me a pearl necklace, which he said he had bought as
a wedding present for Lady Eileen Meredith. If you have not found it, it
may give you some motive for the tragedy."

"Ah!" said Foyle unemotionally.

CHAPTER V

Day had long dawned ere Foyle and his staff had finished their work at
the great house in Grosvenor Gardens. There had been much to do, for
every person who might possibly throw a light on the tragedy had to be
questioned and requestioned. The place had been thoroughly searched from
attic to cellar, for letters or for the jewels that, if Sir Ralph
Fairfield were right, were missing.

Much more there would be to do, but for the moment they could go no
further. Foyle returned wearily to Scotland Yard to learn that of the
finger-prints on the dagger two were too blurred to serve for purposes
of identification. He ordered the miniature to be photographed, and held
a short consultation with the assistant commissioner. The watch kept for
Ivan had so far been without avail. In the corridor, early as it was, a
dozen journalists were waiting. Foyle submitted good-humouredly to their
questions as they grouped themselves about his room.

"Yes. Of course, I'll let you know all about it," he protested. "I'll
have the facts typed out for you, and you can embroider them yourselves.
There's a description of a man we'd like to get hold of--not necessarily
the murderer, but he might be an important witness. Be sure and put that
in."

He always had an air of engaging candour when dealing with newspaper
men. Sometimes they were useful, and he never failed to supply them with
just as much information about a case as would