"That, sir, I am not prepared to say offhand. If convenient, I should like to take a look round."
"Certainly. Where shall we go, Mr. Inspector?" and Mr. Phelps rose briskly.
"To the vault, if you please, sir. Afterwards we will call on Mrs. Marry."
The Rector paused at the door.
"I told you all Mrs. Marry had to say about Brown."
"Quite so, sir. But I wish to have a look at the rooms occupied by the man. Also, I think it would be as well to examine his luggage."
"Can you do that without a warrant?"
"I'll take the risk," said Blair coolly. "An examination may not be quite legal under the circumstances, but as Brown undoubtedly procured the key of the vault by that forged letter, I am entitled to look upon him as a suspicious character. Should he come back, sir--of which I have my doubts--I can account for my action."
"Humph! I think you are right. Come, then, and look at the vault."
To the vault they went, and found Jarks showing the outside of it to a crowd of morbid sightseers. Indeed, the tragedy had drawn people from far and near to Heathton, and the usually quiet place buzzed like a hive. Mrs. Timber was making her fortune, and blessed the day she had turned Cicero the tramp out of her house. To him alone did Mrs. Timber ascribe the theft of the body. As to his connection with the murder of Dr. Warrender, she was not so certain.