‘You think it couldn’t have been Cosgrove?
Lois shook her head.
‘He could never have deceived Austin. Besides, the hours don’t work. Cosgrove could hardly have reached the Old Ferry till after Austin had left. In any case Cosgrove would never have had time to make up so well.’
‘I agree with you. Then our next job is, cherchez la femme. Have you any ideas as to how we should start?’
‘I don’t know if you will agree with me,’ Lois answered slowly, ‘but I wonder if we should not take Mr Tanner into our confidence. He has been very straight and very kind all through, and I’m sure if he knew what we have learned he would take over the finding of the woman.’
‘By Jove, Lois, I believe you are right in this as in everything else. I’ll go and see him now. Would you care to come too?’
‘No. I think you could do that best alone. I’ll come to town with you and hear your report.’
They went up by the Great Northern, and Daunt drove to Scotland Yard. Inspector Tanner was out.
‘I am the solicitor who is acting for Mr Austin Ponson—you know, the Halford murder—and I bring some very material information about the case. I should like to see someone in authority.’
He was asked to wait and presently was ushered into the presence of Chief Inspector Edgar. This official had followed the case with Tanner, and he heard Daunt’s story with thinly veiled amazement.