“You don’t believe he did it?”
Before he could answer, the hall door-bell sounded imperatively, and Winnie started nervously.
“Now, who can that be at this hour!”
An elderly maidservant entered, Martha Stenning, who had grown grey in the Winstons’ service.
“It’s the same gentleman that called before, Mr. George, and asked to see you or Miss Winnie. He says you wouldn’t know his name, but his business is important.”
“All right, I’ll come, Martha,” said George, rising and following her from the room.
“I wonder who it is?” Winnie exclaimed anxiously. “Martha says someone has been ringing up on the telephone several times while we were out, and asking all sorts of questions about——”
They both looked round as George re-entered, followed by Snell, the detective, at sight of whom Starr rose, exclaiming:
“Why, it’s you, Mr. Snell! Anything fresh?”
“Not much at present, and I didn’t expect to see you here, Mr. Starr. Miss Winston? I must ask you to excuse my intrusion.”