"The only impression the Superintendent's got is that you're a paralytic ass," responded Sally cheerfully. "Why you chose to enter by the garden-gate has got nothing to do with him, so get on with your story!"
"I don't know where I was. Oh yes! Well, Mr. Fletcher was in his study - oh, I forgot to tell you that I saw a man coming out of the gate, just as I turned up into Maple Grove. I - I don't know whether that's any use to you?"
"Can you describe him, Mrs. North?"
"No, except that he was rather stout and short. You see, it was dusk, and I didn't see his face. He walked off towards Vale Avenue. Well, I found Mr. Fletcher in his study, as I said."
"Was he alone?"
"Oh yes!"
"And then?"
"Well - well, nothing, really. We had a - a talk, and then I said I mustn't be late, and - and just left."
"Do you know what the time was then?"
"Yes, it was a quarter to ten."