"Didn't you talk down on the beach?"
"Certainly."
"What about?"
"I had to tell him what was in the newspaper."
"Didn't he know already?"
"He did not."
The detective looked around at his subordinates with a leer, and they all laughed. Instead of disconcerting Pen it had the effect of stiffening her. She looked at one after another so steadily that their eyes suddenly found business elsewhere.
The chief said suddenly with the air of one springing a disagreeable surprise: "Had you ever seen Counsell before yesterday?"
"Never," said Pen.
"Are you sure of that?"