"You don't seem to be overpleased at what I have told you," he said in a tone of pique. "Yet it makes the case easier to you."
"I confess that I do not think so," was Fanks' reply. "I shall give you my reasons after I have examined your cousin's rooms. At present I must say that you have puzzled me."
Fanks' refusal to discuss the subject of the negro did not at all please Garth; especially as he considered that his discovery had placed the solution of the case in their hands. But to his protestations the detective only reiterated his determination to keep silent, until the rooms had been searched. With this Garth was forced to be content; although he could not conceive the reason of such extraordinary conduct; and he ascended the stairs with an ill-grace.
"Were I in your place, I should follow out the clue of the negro without delay," he said, as they rang the bell.
"Were you in my place you would do as I am doing, and take time to consider your movements," retorted Fanks as the door was opened.
Venturing on no further remonstrance Garth walked into the chambers, followed by his friend. The servant who admitted them was a light-complexioned, light-haired young fellow, who appeared to be thoroughly frightened. His first remark exposed the reason of his terror.
"I am afraid you can't come in, sir," he said to the cousin of his late master, with a backward glance, "the police are here."
As he spoke a policeman made his appearance overflowing with official importance. Prompted by Fanks the barrister at once addressed himself to this Jack-in-office.
"I am the cousin of the late Sir Gregory Fellenger," he said, "and I wish to go into the sitting-room for a few minutes."
"You can't enter, sir," said the policeman, stolidly.