"It only took a couple of seconds, and then the machine lumbered on
towards the mill. I was pretty excited, I can tell you, but I
decided to sit tight and await developments. The next thing was the
return of No. 6 lorry and the clean-shaven driver. You remember it
had started out loaded at about eleven. It came back empty shortly
after the other, say about a quarter to three. It didn't stop and
there was no change made with its number. Then there was another
pause. At half past three your friend came out again with another
load. This time he was driving No. 1, and I waited to see him stop
and change it. But he didn't do either. Sailed away with the number
remaining 1. Queer, isn't it?"

Merriman nodded and Hilliard resumed.

"I stayed where I was, still watching, but I saw no more lorries.
But I saw Miss Coburn pass about ten minutes later - at least I
presume it was Miss Coburn. She was dressed in brown, and was
walking smartly along the lane towards the road. In about an hour
she passed back. Then about five minutes past five some workmen
went by - evidently the day ends at five. I waited until the coast
was clear, then went down to the lane and had a look round where
the lorry had stopped and saw it was a double bend and therefore
the most hidden point. I walked back through the wood to the
bridge, picked up my taxi and got back here about half past seven."

There was silence for some minutes after Hilliard ceased speaking,
then Merriman asked:

"How long did you say those lorries were away unloading?"