The card tray was significant. Captain Francis Newcombe glanced first at Runnell's face, frowned—then picked up the card. His eyes narrowed as he read it. On the card was written:
DETECTIVE-SERGEANT MULLINS
NEW SCOTLAND YARD
He handed the card coolly to Paul Cremarre.
"Everything all right so far as you are concerned?" he demanded in a low, quick tone.
The Frenchman smiled at the card in a curious way, handed it back, and lighted a fresh cigarette.
"Yes," he said.
"Sure?" said Captain Francis Newcombe.
"Absolutely!" replied the Frenchman in the same low tone.
"Very good!" said the ex-captain of territorials. "Don't look so damned white around the gills, Runnells. And watch yourself!" He raised his voice. "Show the sergeant in, Runnells!" he said.
A minute later, Runnells ushered in a thick-set, florid-faced man.