"Mr. Fletcher, then, did not accompany you to the gate?"

"No," she faltered. "There was no reason why he should."

"Oh!" said Hannasyde. "Very well, Mrs. North: you hid behind a bush. Did you see who it was that entered the garden?"

"No, I didn't. I mean, in the dusk, and - and only being able to peer through the bush, I couldn't get a clear view. I only know it was a man. He looked quite ordinary, but he had a hat on, and I didn't see his face."

"What sort of hat, Mrs. North?"

"A Homburg, I think."

"Light or dark?"

She hesitated. "I think it was a light one."

"Did you happen to notice whether he carried a walking-stick?"

"No. No, I'm sure he didn't."