"It is not necessary for you to tell me anything," responded the
detective dryly.

"I didn't mean to say--"

"Let me give you a word of advice. Never try to get a detective to do
anything for you unless you are willing to tell him all you know and
all you suspect. It is generally hard enough to solve an enigma
without having other mysteries attached to it."

The young man lowered his face and looked confused for a moment.

"Then I will tell you everything," he said. "You may take notes if you
wish."

"It is not necessary, since I have a good memory."

"The Langmores lived just on the outskirts of the town, on the road
leading to Sidham, which is several miles distance."

"I have a general idea of the location."

"The house is a fine, old-fashioned stone mansion, setting well back
from the road, and surrounded by a well-kept lawn and numerous trees
and bushes. At the rear of the garden is a small stream, which flows
into the river a mile and a half below."

"Is the place surrounded by a fence?"