"'Not 'im. It'd take more nor one dead man to scare Sophy. Jest you open the winder, and I'll be in like a shot.'
"'Have I your permission now, Mrs. Middlemore?'
"'But if he shouldn't be dead, sor. If he was laying in wait with a crowbar to knock Sophy on the 'ead----'
"'Oh, you are beginning to think the man who called upon you was not a police officer, after all?'
"'I'm beginning to have my doubts, sir.'
"'I never had any. He is as much a police officer as you are. He told you a cock and bull story, and got rid of you. He was left in the house alone, and, more for your sake than my own, I want to find out what he has been up to. Decide quickly, please.'
"'Do what you like, sir. You've been right in everything; but things are getting more and more mysterious.'
"Without wasting more words our reporter pushed his elbow into a pane, and putting his hand through, undid the fastening and raised the sash. Sophy climbed in like a cat, and the next minute the street door was open. They entered and closed the door behind them.
"'We will proceed systematically,' said our reporter. 'The man spoke to you in the passage here.'
"'Yes, sir; and sed he'd wait.'