appear too openly interested. I don't mind telling you in confidence
that I have known Mrs. Lester many years. The shock of her death,
severe as it must have been to you, is slight as compared with my own
sorrow and dismay. More than that I dare not say until better
informed. I remember now hearing the newsboys shouting their ghoulish
news, and I saw contents bills making large type display of 'Murder of
a lady,' but little did I imagine that the victim was one whom-- one
whose loss I shall deplore.... Are you on the telephone?"

"Yes," said Theydon, thoroughly mystified anew by the announcement
that Forbes had even contemplated, or so much as hinted at, the
astounding imprudence of visiting Innesmore Mansions that night.

"Ring me up when the detectives have gone. I shall esteem your
assistance during this crisis as a real service."

For the life of him, Theydon could not frame the protest which ought
to have been made without delay and without hesitation.

"Yes," he said. "I'll do that. You can trust me absolutely."

Thus was he committed to secrecy. That promise sealed his lips.

CHAPTER III

IN THE TOILS

Theydon, though blessed, or cursed, with an active imagination-- which
must surely be the prime equipment of a novelist-- was shrewd and
level-headed in dealing with everyday affairs.