to the object of their pilgrimage--a four-square, old-fashioned house set
back a little from the road, with a swinging sign in front, and a garden
at the side. Barleyfield led him through this garden to a side-door,
whence they passed into a roomy, low-ceilinged parlour which reminded
Viner of old coaching prints--he would scarcely have believed it possible
that such a pre-Victorian room could be found in London. There were
several men in it, and he nudged his companion's elbow.

"Let us sit down in a quiet corner and have something to drink," he said.
"I just want to take a look at this place--and its frequenters."

Barleyfield led him to a nook near the chimney-corner and beckoned to
an aproned boy who hung about with a tray under his arm. But before
Viner could give an order, his companion touched his arm and motioned
towards the door.

"Here's the gentleman Mr. Ashton used to talk to!" he whispered. "The
tall man--just coming in."




CHAPTER XIII

THE JAPANESE CABINET


Remembering that Barleyfield had said that the man who now entered had
been in Ashton's company in that very room on the evening of the murder,
Viner looked at him with keen interest and speculation. He was a tall,