“Not to my knowledge.”

“When did you leave the house, as a rule?” asked Burt.

“Along in the afternoon.”

“And you never heard any cries for help proceed from the cellar?”

“I’d have told the police if I did,” replied the woman. “You are not a friend of Mister Ajeeb, I guess?”

“Hardly.”

“What for does he want to keep any one a prisoner?”

“You are going to take a hand at questioning me, I see.”

“I’m mighty curious.”

“Well, aunty, your curiosity is not destined to be satisfied this time.”