How Simon Templar surrendered,
and Chief Inspector Teal was not helpful
1
EVERY light in the house seemed to be on when Cullis arrived at the gate of the little garden. It stood in a dark side road; and, so far as he could make out, it was one of those picturesque places often to be found in country byways which modern enterprise has taken and improved without damaging the picture — a small, two-storied house with outside beams and a gabled roof, and an atmosphere of comfortable serenity about it which seemed about to be belied that night.
He went up the short path and mounted a couple of steps to the front door. His hand was actually on the bell when he noticed that the door was not completely closed, and with a slight frown he pushed it open and stepped into the hall.
"Is that you, Cullis?"
The voice came down from the top of the stairs and startled him, though he recognized it at once as that of the chief commissioner.
"Yes, sir."
"Come along up, will you?"
Cullis mounted the stairs. At the top he found a small landing, and on the landing was the chief commissioner with an automatic pistol in his hand.