lady?"

"Not a thing that she hadn't read in the Comet," Mr. Coulson
replied. "What brought her into your mind, anyway?"

"Nothing particular," the Inspector answered carelessly. "Well,
Mr. Coulson, I won't take up any more of your time. I am
convinced that you have told me all that you know, and I am
afraid that I shall have to look elsewhere to find the loose end
of this little tangle."

"Stay and have another drink," Mr. Coulson begged. "I've nothing
to do. There are one or two boys coming in later who'll like to
meet you."

The Inspector shook his head.

"I must be off," he said. "I want to get into my office before
six o'clock. I dare say I shall be running across you again
before you go back."

He shook hands and turned away. Then Mr. Coulson made what was,
perhaps, his second slight mistake.

"Say, Mr. Jacks," he exclaimed, "what made you mention that young
lady's name, anyway? I'm curious to know."

The Inspector looked thoughtfully at the end of the fresh cigar
which he had just lit.