Page:Guy Boothby--A Bid for Fortune.djvu/219

Rh chance," said the inspector. "Come along, Mr. Hatteras."

Again we drove off, this time at increased pace. In less than fifteen minutes we had turned into the street we wanted, and pulled up about a hundred yards from the junction. It was a small thoroughfare with a long line of second-class villa residences on either side. A policeman was sauntering along on the other side of the way, and the inspector called him over. He saluted respectfully, and waited to be addressed.

"What do you know of number 22?" asked the inspector briefly. The constable considered for a few moments and then said:

"Well, to tell you the truth, sir, I didn't know until yesterday that it was occupied."

"Have you seen anybody about there?"

"I saw three men go in just as I came on the beat."

"What were they like?"

"Well, I don't know that I looked much at them. They were all pretty big, and they seemed to be laughing and enjoying themselves."

"Did they! Well, we must go in there and have a look at them. You had better come with us." We walked on down the street till we arrived at No. 22. Then opening the gate we went up the steps to the hall door. It was quite light enough by this time to enable us to see everything distinctly. The inspector gave the bell a good pull and the peal re-echoed inside the house. But not a sound of any living being came from within. Again the bell was pulled, and once more we waited patiently with the same result.

"Either there's nobody at home or they refuse to hear," said the inspector. "Constable, you remain where you are and collar the first man you see. Mr.