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Rh "There was no need," he replied grimly. "I found him collapsed by the door. Or else he couldn't get it open and is shamming. We'll soon see about that. And we'll see who he is too."

With a beating heart I drew near. I had realized at once that my assailant was a bigger man than Chichester. Anyway, Chichester was a flabby creature who might use a knife at a pinch, but who would have little strength in his bare hands.

Rayburn struck a match. We both uttered an ejaculation. The man was Guy Pagett.

Rayburn appeared absolutely stupefied by the discovery.

"Pagett," he muttered. "My God, Pagett."

I felt a slight sense of superiority.

"You seem surprised."

"I am," he said heavily. "I never suspected" He wheeled suddenly round on me. "And you? You're not? You recognized him, I suppose, when he attacked you?"

"No, I didn't. All the same, I'm not so very surprised."

He stared at me suspiciously.

"Where do you come in, I wonder? And how much do you know?"

I smiled.

"A good deal, Mr.—er—Lucas!"

He caught my arm, the unconscious strength of his grip made me wince.

"Where did you get that name?" he asked hoarsely.

"Isn't it yours?" I demanded sweetly. "Or do you prefer to be called 'The Man in the Brown Suit'?"

That did stagger him. He released my arm and fell back a pace or two.

"Are you a girl or a witch?" he breathed.

"I'm a friend." I advanced a step towards him. "I