Kerry coughed drily and stood up.
“Probably not, miss. But you may be required to give evidence.”
“Oh, actually?” cried Mollie, also standing up and approaching nearer.
“Yes. Shall you object?”
Mollie looked into his eyes.
“Not if I can be of the slightest assistance to you, Inspector.”
A theory to explain why this social butterfly had sought him out as a recipient of her compromising confidences presented itself to Kerry’s mind. He was a modest man, having neither time nor inclination for gallantries, and this was the first occasion throughout his professional career upon which he had obtained valuable evidence on the strength of his personal attractions. He doubted the accuracy of his deduction. But, Mollie at that moment lowering her lashes and then rapidly raising them again, Kerry was compelled to accept his own astonishing theory.
“And she is the daughter of a peer!” he reflected. “No wonder it has been hard to get evidence.”
He glanced rapidly in the direction of the door. There were several details which were by no means clear, but he decided to act upon the information already given and to get rid of his visitor without delay. Where some of the most dangerous criminals in Europe and America had failed, Mollie Gretna had succeeded in making Red Kerry nervous.
“I am much indebted to you, miss,” he said, and opened the door.