When the woman had gone, Sinclair said, “I shall get hell for this. He will ask me what it has got to do with me, and why I did not use the ordinary channels.”
“Leave it to me,” said the other with his easy confidence. He generally got his own way in most things.
After a brief interval Mrs. Simmons returned.
“I have knocked twice,” she said, “but there is no answer. I expect he is asleep. I hardly like to disturb him unless it is a very important matter.”
The two men exchanged glances.
“I am afraid it is,” said Collins. “We had better see. This is Superintendent Sinclair from Scotland Yard.”
At the name the old woman turned pale.
“Scotland Yard?” she stammered. “I hope nothing is wrong?”
“Why should anything be wrong,” said Collins. “The Home Secretary often sees officials from the Yard, doesn’t he?”
“Yes,” said she; “but there have been some queer things to-day here.”