the same spot most probably where the murderer had stood, I suddenly felt something uneven between the sole of my boot and the carpet. So intent was I upon the examination I was making that at first my attention was not attracted by it, but on stepping on it a second time, I looked down and saw something white, which I quickly picked up.

The instant I saw it I closed my hand and hid it from view. Then I glanced furtively around, and seeing that my action had been unobserved I quickly transferred it to my vest pocket, covering the movement by taking out my watch to glance at it.

I confess that my heart beat quickly, and in all probability the colour at that moment had left my face, for I had, by sheer accident, discovered a clue.

To examine it there was impossible, for of such a character was it that I had no intention, as yet, to arouse the suspicions of the police. I intended at the earliest moment to apprise my friend, Ambler Jevons, of the facts and with him pursue an entirely independent inquiry.

Scarcely had I safely pocketed the little object I had picked up from where the murderer must have stood when the inspector went out upon the landing and called to the constable in the hall:

"Four-sixty-two, lock that door and come up here a moment."

"Yes, sir," answered a gruff voice from below, and in a few moments the constable entered, closing the door after him.

"How many times have you passed this house on your beat tonight, four-sixty-two?" inquired the inspector.

"About eight, sir. My beat's along the Richmond Road, from the Lion Gate down to the museum, and then around the back streets."

"Saw nothing?"

"I saw a man come out of this house hurriedly, soon after I came on duty. I was standing on the opposite side, under the wall of the Gardens. The lady what's downstairs let him out and told him to fetch the doctor quickly."

"Ah! Short, the servant," I observed.

"Where is he?" asked the inspector, while the detective with the ready note-book scribbled down the name.

"He came to fetch me, and Miss Mivart has now sent him to fetch her sister. He was the first to make the discovery."

"Oh, was he?" exclaimed 

 Prev. P 22/194 next