answered the man. His voice shook and wheezed. “I’ve only this moment heard of it, sir.” 

 Hugo hung behind as they entered the hall. His father, steady as a rock, marched on to his study, and was followed by M. le Baron. The latter shut the door upon them. 

 “An ugly business,” he said. 

 “A cursed interruption to our game,” damned the General. He was greatly incensed. That such a vulgar scandal should have come to pollute the sacred preserves of Wildshott seemed to him the incredible outrage. 

 “What am I to do?” he said. “What is the infernal procedure? There will have to be an inquest, I suppose, and then——” 

 “And then to indict the murderer,” said Le Sage, answering the pause. 

 “You think it is a murder?” 

 “What do you think?” 

 “I don’t know; I suppose so. It may prove a devil of a business to find out. Ought we to have a detective?” 

 “These provincial police are excellent men, but their normal training——. Still, it may prove a quite simple affair.” 

 “I have a feeling somehow that it won’t. I’d better write up to Scotland Yard.” 

 “If you’re decided on it, why not apply? there is, or was, in the neighbourhood the very man.” 

 “You mean that fellow Ridgway? By Jove, yes—a clever dog! I’ll motor into Winton first thing to-morrow, and find out. In the meantime—where’s Hugo?” 

 “I think I saw him go upstairs. I’ll have him sent to you, if you’ll allow me. I was wanting to write some letters.” 

 He retreated, with a smile which left his face the moment he was outside. Finding a servant, he gave her Sir Calvin’s message, and then put a question of his own:— 

 “Do you know where my man is, my dear?” 

 “I think Mr. Cabanis is out, sir,” answered the girl. Her cheeks were still mottled with the fright of things. “He went out some time ago.” 

 “O, to be sure! About three o’clock, wasn’t it?” 

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