"Yes, I have been back in this country only a few weeks,"
Masterson replied, awaiting the answer to the first question.

"I called," proceeded Kennedy, "in the hope that you, Mr.
Masterson, might be able to shed some light on the rather peculiar
case of Mr. Maitland, of whose death, I suppose, you have already
heard."

"I?"

"You have known Mrs. Maitland a long time?" ignored Kennedy.

"We went to school together."

"And were engaged, were you not?"

Masterson looked at Kennedy in ill-concealed surprise.

"Yes. But how did you know that? It was a secret--only between us
two--I thought. She broke it off--not I."

"She broke off the engagement?" prompted Kennedy.

"Yes--a story about an escapade of mine and all that sort of
thing, you know--but, by Jove! I like your nerve, sir." Masterson
frowned, then added: "I prefer not to talk of that. There are some
incidents in a man's life, particularly where a woman is
concerned, that are forbidden."