"Why not; my friend here, Mr. Rixton----"
The officer started and looked at Fanks. Evidently he saw his orders in the face of the detective; for he at once moved aside and granted the desired permission. The valet Robert was astonished at this sudden yielding; but he entertained no suspicion that there was any understanding between the policeman and the fashionably-dressed young man who had been introduced as Mr. Rixton. At a glance the detective saw that he had to deal with a timid, simple creature, who might be trusted to tell the truth out of sheer nervous apprehension. The discovery afforded him satisfaction.
"I am much obliged to you, officer," said Garth, slipping a shilling into the policeman's hand. "We shall not stay long. Robert, show us into the sitting-room, if you please. I wish to ask a few questions."
A terrified expression flitted across the face of the mild valet, but like a well-trained servant, he merely bowed and preceded Garth along the passage. Fanks lingered behind.
"Maxwell!" he said to the policeman, "has anyone been here this morning?"
"Yes, sir!" replied, the man, in a low tone. "A young lady, sir; very pretty, with dark 'air and blue eyes. She asked to see Robert, sir."
"Oh, indeed! And how did you act?"
"I wouldn't let her see him, sir. He don't know she called."
"Quite right. What did she say when you refused?"
"She was upset, Mr. Fanks, and insisted on seeing him. I said as he was out, so she said as she would call this afternoon at three o'clock."