"Hilloa! who's at home?"
"Who's there?" said Mrs. Oakley.
"It's John Smith," cried Lupin. "I am an officer of the police. Has anybody anything to say to me here? They tell me in the court that some odd noises were heard in the night."
"I don't know anything about it," said Mrs. Oakley, "but if you will come in and wait until Mr. Lupin comes in, he may like to see you."
"Oh, no, no, no! It's no matter. Good morning, ma'am."
Down stairs went Lupin, thinking he had acted the officer to perfection, and making no doubt in the world but that he had thoroughly deceived Mrs. Oakley, who he was now quite satisfied knew absolutely nothing about the murder.
In the course of a couple of minutes, Mr. Lupin in his own character came gliding in.
"I am afraid I have kept you waiting, sister Oakley."
"Oh, not at all, but there has been a man there who says his name is Smith, and he—"
"I met him! I met him! It is all right. He heard something going on in the next house, I suppose, and mistook it for this. Pray cook the eggs to your liking, sister Oakley, and help yourself to anything. Don't be particular, sister Oakley, but make yourself at home."