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228 me to prove to you even more clearly that you are mistaken. Pray come and see my sitting-rooms for yourselves."

He led the way into the room from which he had been summoned, and we followed him. It was small and nicely furnished, but not a South Sea curio or native weapon was there in it. Then we followed him to the corresponding room at the back of the house. This was upholstered in the latest fashion; but again there was no sign of what Beckenham had led us to expect we should see. We were completely mystified.

"I am afraid we have troubled you without cause," said the inspector, as we passed into the hall again.

"Don't mention it," he answered; "I find my compensation in the knowledge that I am not involved in any police unpleasantness."

"By the way," said the inspector, suddenly, "have you any idea who your neighbours may be?"

"Oh, dear, yes!" the man replied. "On my right I have a frigidly respectable widow of Low Church tendencies. On my left, the Chief Teller of the Bank of New Holland. Both very worthy members of society, and not at all the sort of people to be criminally inclined."

"In that case we can only apologise for our intrusion, and wish you good morning."

"Pray, don't apologise. I should have been glad to have assisted you. Good morning."

We went down the steps again and out into the street. As we passed out of the gate, the inspector stopped and examined a mark on the right hand post. Then he stooped and picked up what looked like a pebble. Having done so, we resumed our walk.

"What on earth can be the meaning of it all?"