Inspector Dunbar nodded, comprehendingly, tapping his teeth with the
head of the fountain-pen.

"And the other servants?"

"There are only two: a cook and a maid. I released them for the
evening--glad to get rid of them--wanted to work."

"They are late?"

"They take liberties, damnable liberties, because I am easy-going."

"I see," said Dunbar. "So that you were quite alone this evening,
when"--he nodded in the direction of the writing-table--"your visitor
came?"

"Quite alone."

"Was her arrival the first interruption?"

"No--er--not exactly. Miss Cumberly..."

"My daughter," explained Dr. Cumberly, "knowing that Mr. Leroux, at
these times, was very neglectful in regard to meals, prepared him an
omelette, and brought it down in a chafing-dish."

"How long did she remain?" asked the inspector of Leroux.

"I--er--did not exactly open the door. We chatted, through--er--through
the letter-box, and she left the omelette outside on the landing."