"Don't mention it," the owner answered; "I find my compensation in the knowledge that I am not involved in any police unpleasantness."
"By the way," said the Inspector suddenly, "have you any idea who your neighbours may be?"
"Oh, dear, yes!" the man replied. "On my right I have a frigidly respectable widow of Low Church tendencies. On my left, the Chief Teller of the Bank of New Holland."
"In that case we can only apologize for our intrusion and wish you good-morning."
"Pray don't apologize. I should have been glad to have assisted you. Good-morning."
We went down the steps again and out into the street. As we passed through the gate, the Inspector stopped and examined a mark on the right-hand post. Then he stooped and picked up what looked like a pebble. Having done so we resumed our walk.
"What on earth can be the meaning of it all?" I asked. "Can his lordship have made a mistake?"
"No, I think not. We have been cleverly duped, that's all."
"What makes you think so?"
"I didn't think so until we passed through the gate on our way out. Now I'm certain of it. Come across the street."