He was slightly astonished, therefore, when the two faced him,
together with Bates. A dramatic explanation of their presence was soon
supplied.

"These gentlemen, sir, are Chief Inspector Winter and Detective
Inspector Furneaux of Scotland Yard," said the ex-sergeant, in the
awed tone which some people cannot help using when speaking of members
of the Criminal Investigation Department.

Though daylight had not yet failed it was rather dark in that corner
of the station, and Theydon saw now what he had not perceived earlier,
that the usually sedate Bates was pale and harassed looking.

"Why, what's up?" he inquired, gazing blankly from one to the other of
the ominous pair.

"Haven't you seen the evening papers, Mr. Theydon?" said Winter, the
giant of the two.

"No, I've been at Brooklands since two o'clock. But what is it?"

"You don't know, then, that a murder was committed in the Innesmore
Mansions last night or early this morning?"

"Good Lord, no! Who was killed?"

"A Mrs. Lester, the lady--"

"Mrs. Lester, who lives in No. 17?"