Page:Richard Marsh--The goddess a demon.djvu/235

Rh marched straight up to him with an air of brusqueness.

"You're from the Yard. Why on earth didn't you give me the tip when I drove past you at first? You saw me staring at you hard enough. I've been on a wild goose chase, all because of your stupidity; you shall hear of it again!" He touched his hat. "I've just come from the court; Inspector Symonds is detained; I'm on this job at present. Has anybody come out of 22 since I did?"

"A young woman, sir."

"A young woman. And you let her go?"

"It was only the servant."

"Only the servant! Which way did she go?"

"She came out into the road here, and then got on to a Piccadilly 'bus. My instructions were to keep an eye on the young lady. I wasn't told anything about the servant."

"Oh, weren't you? Then a pretty mess you seem to be making. Come into the house; I may want you. So keep your eyes and ears well open."

I started off at a smart pace. He hesitated, then fell in at my side.

"I beg your pardon, sir, but do you mind telling me your name? I don't seem to remember your face."