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 couldn't really see his face, for he sprang upon me from behind. But he spoke to his companion, and I thought I recognized his voice—only a faint suspicion,' the woman added. 'Indeed, I don't really like mentioning it, because I'm sure you'll laugh at me. You'll think it too absurd.'

'No. This is no laughing matter, Mulliner,' I said. 'We are in deadly earnest. It is only right of you to tell us any suspicion that you entertain.'

'Well—to tell you the truth, sir, I thought I recognized the voice of a gentleman who often visits Cadogan Gardens—Mr. Eastwell.'

'Eastwell!' I echoed. 'Do you really think it was actually Mr. Eastwell?'

I glanced at Roseye and saw that, at mention of the man's name, her face had instantly gone pale as death, and her hands were trembling.

'Are you quite sure of that, Mulliner?' she asked breathlessly.

'No. Not quite. I only know that he wore a big pair of motor-goggles with flaps on the cheeks, and those effectively altered his appearance, but as he assisted in tying me up in the chair, my eyes caught sight of his watch-chain. It was familiar to me—one of alternate twisted links of gold and platinum of quite uncommon pattern. This I recognized as Mr. Eastwell's, for I had seen it many times before, and it went far to confirm my suspicion that the voice was undoubtedly his. I admit, miss, that I was staggered at the discovery.'

I led Roseye into the best room and, having closed the door, stood before her in front of the log fire and asked: