Hawthwaite, with one of his plain-clothes men, came striding in, saw Brent and closed the door, shutting out the parlour-maid.
"Gone?" he asked sharply.
"They say—out for a bicycle ride," answered Brent, purposely affecting unconcern. "Went out very early this morning."
"What did you come here for?" demanded Hawthwaite.
"To ask her personally if what Krevin Crood said is true!" replied Brent.
Hawthwaite laughed.
"Do you think she'd have admitted it, Mr. Brent?" he said. "I don't!"
"I think she would," answered Brent. "But——"
"Well?" inquired Hawthwaite.
"I don't suppose I shall ever have the chance of putting such a question to her," added Brent. "She's—off!"