Walls looked uncomfortably surprised.
“Miss Hoyle?”
“Yes, Miss Hoyle—Mr. Bechcombe's secretary!” the inspector said sharply. “I suppose you know her, Mr. Walls?”
“Oh, yes,” Walls stammered. “At least, I couldn't say I know her. I have spoken to her once or twice. But she didn't make any friends among us. And her office was quite apart. She didn't come through our door, or anything. She is a lady—quite a lady, you understand, and her office is next to Mr. Bechcombe's own.”
“Indeed!” For once the inspector looked really interested. “Well, I should like to see Miss Hoyle without delay, Mr. Walls.”
“Very well. I will tell her at once.”
Miss Hoyle did not keep the inspector waiting. He glanced at her keenly as he placed a chair for her.
“Your name, please?”
“Cecily Frances Hoyle.”
“How long have you been with Mr. Bechcombe?”