“Here we are,” Fallon interrupted. “There is the church.”
The touring car had turned a corner, bringing the sacred edifice into view. It occupied the corner beyond and stood somewhat back from the street, both front and side. In the rear, fronting on the side street, was the dwelling occupied by Father Cleary, whose only servant was an elderly housekeeper, one Honora Kane, who had been a widow many years.
The church, the rectory, and the surrounding grounds extended back to the next street, from which they were divided by a stone wall, the rear grounds being adorned with several old shade trees, the wide-spreading branches of which mingled with those in the side grounds of the adjoining estate.
Nick took in all these features of the scene while approaching the rectory, on the sidewalk in front of which a policeman was pacing to and fro. He touched his helmet when Fallon sprang from the car, but evidently he did not know the face of the more famous detective.
“What has been done, Bagley?” asked Fallon, pausing briefly.
“Nothing, sir, except to keep it quiet,” said the policeman. “We have been waiting for you. Grady is inside.”
“We’ll go in,” said Fallon.[{5}]
“One moment,” Nick interposed, detaining him. “The murder has not leaked out, Bagley, I take it?”
“No, sir.”
“I see that there are no inquisitive people hanging around here. Have you seen any one, by the way, who appeared to have an interest in the place?”