The woman looked at him curiously. "Two hundred pounds," she said, "is a great deal of money. One does not carry about sums like that."
Deane thrust his hand into his pocket, and drew out a little roll of notes. "I have twelve ten-pound notes here," he said, "and I can write a cheque for the balance. You know what I want. If you turn me away, I shall be back with a search warrant in less than half-an-hour."
She held out her hand for the notes. "Follow me," she said. "You understand that I am simply a lodging-house keeper. I cannot be responsible for my tenants or their actions."
"I understand that," Deane answered eagerly. "Quick! Lead the way upstairs."
CHAPTER XVIII
WINIFRED IS TRAPPED
Deane followed his guide up two flights of stairs,—on the landing of the third she paused.
"I do not usually interfere with the comings and goings of my lodgers," she said. "They pay for their rooms. That is all I ask. You see the door opposite you?"
"Yes!" Deane answered quickly.