Vernon's
presence at Leroux's flat. It's not a natural thing for a woman, on the
evening of her husband's death, to rush straight away to another man's
place"...

"It's strange we couldn't find her clothes"...

"It's not strange at all! You're simply obsessed with the idea that this
was a love intrigue! Think, man! the most abandoned woman wouldn't run
to keep an appointment with a lover at a time like that! And remember
she had the news in her pocket! She came to that flat dressed--or
undressed--just as we found her; I'm sure of it. And a point like that
sometimes means the difference between hanging and acquittal."

Sergeant Sowerby digested these words, composing his jovial countenance
in an expression of unnatural profundity. Then:--

"THE point to my mind," he said, "is the one raised by Mr. Hilton. By
gum! didn't Dr. Cumberly tell him off!"

"Dr. Cumberly," replied Dunbar, "is entitled to his opinion, that the
injection in the woman's shoulder was at least eight hours old; whilst
Mr. Hilton is equally entitled to maintain that it was less than ONE
hour old. Neither of them can hope to prove his case."

"If either of them could?"...

"It might make a difference to the evidence--but I'm not sure."

"What time is your appointment?"

"Ten o'clock," replied Dunbar. "I am meeting Mr. Debnam--the late Mr.
Vernon's solicitor. There is something in it. Damme! I am sure of it!"

"Something in what?"

"The fact that Mr. Vernon died yesterday evening, and that his wife was
murdered at midnight."

"What have you told the press?"

"As little as possible, but you will see that the early editions will
all be screaming for the arrest of Soames."

"I shouldn't wonder. He would be a useful man to have; but he's probably
out of London now."

"I think not. He's more likely to wait for instructions from his
principal."

"His principal?"

"Certainly. You don't think Soames did the murder, do you?"

"No; but he's obviously an accessory."

"I'm not so sure even of that."

"Then why did he bolt?"

"Because he had a guilty conscience."

"Yes," agreed Sowerby; "it does turn out that way sometimes. At any
rate, Stringer is after him, but he's got next to nothing to go upon.
Has any reply been received from Mrs. Leroux in Paris?"

"No," answered Dunbar, frowning thoughtfully. "Her husband's wire would
reach her first thing this morning; I am expecting to hear of a reply at
any moment."

"They're a funny couple,