In the outer doorway, Helen Cumberly looked back over her shoulder,
and her glance met that of Leroux. Hers was a healing glance and a
strengthening glance; it braced him up as nothing else could have done.
He turned to Exel.

"For Heaven's sake, Exel!" he said, evenly, "give me your advice--give
me your help; I am going to 'phone for the police."

Exel looked up with an odd expression.

"I am entirely at your service, Leroux," he said. "I can quite
understand how this ghastly affair has shaken you up."

"It was so sudden," said the other, plaintively. "It is incredible
that so much emotion can be crowded into so short a period of a man's
life."...

Big Ben chimed the quarter after midnight. Leroux, eyes averted, walked
to the writing-table, and took up the telephone.




III

INSPECTOR DUNBAR TAKES CHARGE


Detective-Inspector Dunbar was admitted by Dr. Cumberly. He was a man of
notable height, large-boned, and built gauntly and squarely. His clothes