Now, Theydon had thought hard during the few strides from one flat to
the other. His telephone was fixed close to the party wall dividing
the two sets of apartments and he was not certain that, in the
absolute quietude prevailing in Innesmore Mansions at that late hour,
a voice could not be overheard. True, he did not count on Furneaux
playing the eavesdropper at the slit of the letter box, but he
resolved to take no risks and say nothing that any one could make
capital of.

So, when he had asked the exchange to reconnect him with the caller
who had just rung up, and he was put through, this is what Furneaux
heard:

"That you, Mr. Forbes. Sorry I sent my man just now with a message
that must leave sounded rather curt, but the Scotland Yard people
kindly excused me, so I can give you a minute or two.... No, I'm
sorry, but I cannot come to luncheon tomorrow, nor go to Brooklands
again this week. You see, this dreadful murder which I spoke of will
necessitate my presence at an inquest, and the police seem to attach
much significance to the visit to Mrs. Lester last night of a man whom
I saw in the street, and whom Bates and I heard entering and leaving
the poor lady's flat.... Bates? O, he is my general factotum. He and
his wife keep house for me. . . . Yes, I'll gladly let you know the
earliest date when I'll be free. Then you and I can go into the flying
proposition thoroughly.... No. The detectives have apparently not got
any clew to the murderer, nor even discovered any motive for the
crime. They have taken me into No. 17. In fact, I was there when your
call was made.... The murderer ransacked the place thoroughly, but did
not touch money or jewelry, I understand. The only peculiar thing, if