‘Tanner. Inspector Tanner of New Scotland Yard. I am sorry Mr Ponson is out as I wished to ask him for a little information, but perhaps if you would be so kind you might be able to give it to me.’
The butler was obviously impressed by the occupation of his visitor, and Tanner felt sure his curiosity would also be aroused.
‘If you will come in I shall be glad to do what I can.’
‘Now, Mr—? I didn’t hear your name?’
‘Lewis. John Lewis.’
‘Well, Mr Lewis, Mr Ponson told me a curious story of a hoax that had been played on him last Wednesday night. I was down, you know, about Sir William’s death, and we got talking. You know about the hoax, I suppose?’
‘Not a word,’ the butler answered, his manner portraying keen interest.
‘He didn’t tell me it was any secret. He got a note on Wednesday evening asking him to go out to meet some friends that night at the Abbey ruin.’
The butler nodded several times.
‘Yes, I remember that note. I found it in the hall-door letter-box. It must have been left by private messenger, for there was no postmark on it. After Mr Austin had read it he came asking me where I had found it. He seemed kind of puzzled about it.’