"Well, I do think he is not treating me quite fairly," she murmured, and unaccustomed tears rose to her eyes. But they dried rapidly as she heard a thud on the floor of the room overhead and recognised the fall of a boot. She hastened upstairs and found her husband already half-undressed.
"Whatever in the world is the matter, Joe?" she asked. Inspector Kenly grunted.
"Can't keep my eyes open any longer, not if you were to prop up the lids with steel bars, Loo," he answered.
His eyes were not so closely shut, however, that they were unable to detect the disappointment which was expressed in his wife's face. He caught her in his arms and imprinted a couple of kisses on her lips.
"I haven't had a wink of sleep for forty-eight hours," he said, "and I only wish I could do without for another forty-eight. But a nap while I get the chance will make another man of me. Now listen, Loo. What time did Jessel say he was coming back?"
"He said he was afraid that it would not be much before midnight," replied Mrs. Kenly.
"Give me a call at 11.30, then," said Inspector Kenly, and he tumbled into bed and gave a huge sigh of relief. Then he raised his head. "If he gets back earlier call me."
"But what makes you so interested in Mr. Jessel?" she asked, unable any longer to restrain her curiosity.
"Come here, Loo," said Kenly, and as his wife drew near he whispered, "That young man is mixed up in some way with the Flurscheim burglary. No, don't interrupt. I haven't time to tell you all about it, and that is much more than I ought to have told you. Now you know why I was so anxious that you should get him back here."
"But suppose he doesn't come back," said Mrs. Kenly.