Bannister’s reply was to ring the bell at the front entrance. Anthony heard it peal through the building but could hear no step in answer to it.
Bannister turned to Ross. “I understand that Miss Delaney lived here with another lady—a companion or something—is that so?”
“So I believe,” returned Ross.
“Not in—that’s evident,” retorted the Inspector.
Anthony strolled round the right-hand side of the bungalow to the back. Then he called to the others. “We ought to be able to get in this way,” he said.
Bannister broke a pane of glass, pushed his hand through and lifted up the catch of the casement window. A few moments saw them inside. There were no signs of very recent occupation showing in the kitchen-scullery in which they stood. Everything was tidy and orderly. Bannister gave it a sweeping glance.
“Looks to me as though the other lady’s away,” he remarked. “Let’s get along to the other rooms.”
On the left lay the dining-room and the lounge. On the right were three bedrooms. Suddenly Bannister gave a sharp exclamation and walked to the front door. From the mat he picked a postcard. “That explains this other woman’s absence,” he said to Anthony as he tossed it over to him.
Anthony read it. It was a picture postcard of the seaside-view variety. The view was of Budleigh Salterton. Its message was brief. “4, Rolle Cottages, Otterton. July 3rd. Dear Miss Sheila, I am having a lovely time and it’s so nice to be home again. The weather is beautiful—I only hope it will continue so for you. Much love from ‘Pinkie.’ ”
“One thing—you’ve got her address, Inspector,” remarked Anthony.