"It's very strange," said Laura, who was pale but composed. "Gerty, did you tell Luther I was out last night?"
"No. We were too busy talking of the crime."
"Then say nothing. I should only get into trouble with Julia."
CHAPTER IV
[THE MISSING MOTOR-CAR]
It was not from Tracey that Laura learned the details of the Ajax Villa tragedy. Leaving Gerty in the garden with her lover, Miss Mason walked round to the house, eager to hear all that had taken place. A rumour about the murder had crept round Troy, and a few curious people were staring at the windows. But no policeman was to be seen. The inspector kept his officers on guard inside the villa, thinking, and very rightly, that the sight of a constable in the garden would provoke inquiry, and bring onlookers. Derrick wished the matter kept as quiet as possible until the arrival of Mr. Fane. The body of the unfortunate woman had been removed to one of the bedrooms, and a policeman watched at the door. Everything in the house was in the same order as it had been when entered by Mulligan, and Derrick himself took up his quarters in the White Room. Here he issued orders.
"If a young lady calls to see me, let her in," he said; "but no one else is to be admitted."
"Mr. Tracey, sir?" asked Mulligan, who was full of official pride.
"Yes; certainly. I except him. But no one else, mind."
"What about the wire to Mr. Fane, sir?"