He was getting out of his car when a brace of eager reporters accosted him.
"The Standard would like to have you say a few words for publication," said one.
"The Herald will give you what space you require for a statement at any time you see fit to make use of it," declared the other.
"I'm very sorry," said Ashton-Kirk, brushing a speck of dust from an immaculate sleeve, "but I have nothing to say that would interest your city editors, or the public. I have no doubt but that the police officials will be glad to acquaint you with anything new that has transpired—if there has been anything new."
The newspaper men pulled wry faces.
"The police hang onto the Italian musician and profess to think he's the guilty party," said one. "If they have taken any steps beyond this, before to-day, we have not known of it."
"Why have the detectives been placed to watch Miss Vale's house?" asked the other. "And what has Osborne gone in to talk about?"
"Ah," said Ashton-Kirk, with interest, "Osborne is within, is he?"
"Yes; and why are you going in? What has been learned regarding Miss Vale's connection with the case that has not already been made public?"
"I would hardly undertake to answer that last," laughed Ashton-Kirk. "So much has been made public in one way and another that I haven't been able to keep track of it all. My own visit is merely a friendly call. Why Mr. Osborne is here I, of course, cannot say."