“No. 13,” elucidated Desmond.
“... When we got inside we found him dead across the threshold of the door leading into the hall. Behrend we caught hiding in a brush cupboard by the back stairs. As for the others—”
“Gone?” queried Desmond with a sudden sinking at his heart.
Francis nodded.
“We didn’t waste any time getting through that window,” he said, “but the catch was stiff and the broken glass was deuced unpleasant. Still, we were too late. You were laid out on the floor; Mortimer, Bellward and the lady had made their lucky escape. And the secret door showed us how they had gone...”
“But I thought you had a man posted at the back?”
“Would you believe it? When the shooting began, the infernal idiot must rush round to our assistance, so, of course, Mortimer and Co., nipping out by the secret door, got clear away down the drive. But that is not the worst. Matthews gave them the car!”
“No!” said Desmond incredulously.
“He did, though,” answered Francis. “Mind you, Mortimer had had the presence of mind to throw off his disguise. He presented himself to Matthews as Strangwise. Matthews knows Strangwise quite well: he has often seen him with the Chief.
“‘My God, Captain Strangwise,’ says Matthews, as the trio appeared, ‘What’s happened?’