"'What was the 'uzzy doing in the streets?'
"'I can't say, but in the streets she was forced to remain.'
"'Why, sir, the 'ouse was open to 'er. I met 'er and told 'er to go 'ome and wait till I come back.'
"'Exactly. And she did go, and knocked at the door, as I did, but she was as unsuccessful as I was. She did not get in.'
"''Ow can that be, sir? The perlice officer was there, waiting to open the door for 'er. The lazy slut! She's been telling yer a parcel of lies.'
"'How about myself, Mrs. Middlemore? Am I telling you a parcel of lies when I say that I knocked pretty loudly at your door, and that no one came to open it.'
"'I wouldn't dispute your word, sir, but I can't make it out.'
"'I can, and I will explain it to you presently, inside your house, if we can manage to get in. Here we are. Jump out.'
"The cab being discharged, Mrs. Middlemore knocked and rang, but knocked and rang in vain.
"'Allo, anty!' said Sophy, coming up. ''Ave they found Mr. Felix's body?'