cool regard upon Chief Inspector Kerry, twirling the cord of his
monocle about one finger. "I may remark, Inspector Kerry--for I
understand this to be your name--that your conduct of the inquiry is
not always characterised by the best possible taste."

Kerry rolled chewing-gum, meeting Seton's gaze with a stare intolerant
and aggressive. He imparted that odd writhing movement to his
shoulders.

"For my conduct I am responsible to the Commissioner," he replied.
"And if he's not satisfied the Commissioner can have my written
resignation at any hour in the twenty-four that he's short of a
pipe-lighter. If it would not inconvenience you to keep quiet for two
minutes I will continue my examination of this witness."



CHAPTER VII

FURTHER EVIDENCE

The examination of Quentin Gray was three times interrupted by
telephone messages from Vine Street; and to the unsatisfactory
character of these the growing irascibility of Chief Inspector Kerry
bore testimony. Then the divisional surgeon arrived, and Burton
incurred the wrath of the Chief Inspector by deserting his post to
show the doctor upstairs.

"If inspired idiocy can help the law," shouted Kerry, "the man who did
this job is as good as dead!" He turned his fierce gaze in Gray's