"Yes. You needn't tell me Mr. Grent intended to take a male companion. I have it!" cried Torry suddenly. "He intended to bolt with the woman he met."
"With the woman who killed him? Impossible."
"Bah! the woman did not kill him. It was the man who struck the blow. Yes, yes," murmured the detective, his eyes lighting up with joy. "I see it all. Grent met this woman in order to bring her back here and fly with her. While they were talking in Mortality-lane they were interrupted by the man--probably the lover or the husband of the woman--and out of jealousy he killed Grent. It is as plain as day."
"But it is impossible, I tell you!" cried Leighbourne furiously. "Mr. Grent was devotedly attached to his wife; he would not leave her for another woman."
"Then he must have contemplated bolting because of money troubles," said the detective promptly. "Own the truth, Mr. Leighbourne. Was Grent in difficulties?"
Before the banker could reply, there came a furious knocking at the outer door, and the two men looked at one another in a startled manner. Torry recovered himself at once, and without a word and ran to the door and threw it open. To his surprise, Vass, the secretary, looking much agitated, ran past him into the room. He was followed at a more leisurely pace by a tall, dark man, who looked like a foreigner; and who was also agitated; but in a lesser degree than Vass.
"Captain Manuel!" cried Leighbourne quickly. "Mr. Vass, what is the matter?"
"Robbery!" gasped the secretary. "Robbery!"
"What are you saying?" said the banker, while Torry listened attentively.
"Mr. Grent's private safe has been robbed!" cried Vass--"robbed of ten thousand pounds in notes!"