stranger in these parts, you see.”

 

He went on, passing through the gates as I turned to look after him.

 

The odd thing was that his voice reminded me of some one’s voice that I knew,

but whose it was I could not think.

 

Ten minutes later I was at home once more. Caroline was full of curiosity to

know why I had returned so early. I had to make up a slightly fictitious account

of the evening in order to satisfy her, and I had an uneasy feeling that she saw

through the transparent device.

 

At ten o’clock I rose, yawned, and suggested bed. Caroline acquiesced.

 

It was Friday night, and on Friday night I wind the clocks. I did it as usual,

whilst Caroline satisfied herself that the servants had locked up the kitchen

properly.

 

It was a quarter past ten as we went up the stairs. I had just reached the top

when the telephone rang in the hall below.

 

“Mrs. Bates,” said Caroline immediately.

 

“I’m afraid so,” I said ruefully.