chess, and luck to me with my woollen machinery patents! You were
speaking of that second murder," he remarked, setting down his
glass. "I haven't noticed the papers much this morning. Has any
arrest been made yet?"

"Not yet," the Inspector admitted. "To tell you the truth, we
find it almost as puzzling an affair as the one in which Mr.
Hamilton Fynes was concerned."

Mr. Coulson nodded. He seemed content, at this stage in their
conversation, to assume the role of listener.

"You read the particulars of the murder of Mr. Vanderpole, I
suppose?" the Inspector asked.

"Every word," Mr. Coulson answered. "Most interesting thing I've
seen in an English newspaper since I landed. Didn't sound like
London somehow. Gray old law-abiding place, my partner always
calls it."

"I am going to be quite frank with you, Mr. Coulson," the
Inspector continued. "I am going to tell you exactly why I have
come to see you again tonight."

"Why, that's good," Mr. Coulson declared. "I like to know
everything a man's got in his mind."

"I have come to you," the Inspector said, "because, by a somewhat
curious coincidence, I find that, besides your slight
acquaintance with and knowledge of Mr. Hamilton Fynes, you were