stranger was walking away rapidly. A policeman, glistening in cape and
overalls, stood at the corner, near a pillar box.

The tall man, who topped the burly constable by some inches, halted
for a moment to post a letter. Whether by accident or design he held
his umbrella so that the other could not see his face. Then he
disappeared. Bates came into view. He dropped Theydon's letters into
the box, but he and the policeman exchanged a few words, which, his
employer guessed, must surely have dealt with the vagaries of the
weather.

For an author of repute Theydon's surmises had been wide of the mark
several times that night. The policeman had seen the unknown coming
out from the doorway of Nos. 13-18, and had noted his stature and
appearance.

"Who's the toff who just left your lot?" he said, when Bates arrived.

"Dunno," said Bates. "Some one callin' on Mrs. Lester, I fancy. Why?"

"O, nothing. On'y, if I was togged up regardless on a night like this
I'd blue a cab fare."

"I didn't see him meself," commented Bates. "My boss 'eard him come,
an' both of us 'eard him go. He didn't stay more'n five minnits."

"Wish I was in his shoes. I've got to stick round here till six in the
morning," grinned the policeman.

"Well, cheer-o, mate."