The inspector took in the position at a glance. We went through into the large

hall and he locked the door behind him, slipping the key into his pocket. Then

he gave the constable some low-voiced instructions, and the latter prepared to

depart.

 

“We must get busy on those shoe tracks,” explained the inspector. “But first of

all, I must have a word with Miss Ackroyd. She was the last person to see her

uncle alive. Does she know yet?”

 

Raymond shook his head.

 

“Well, no need to tell her for another five minutes. She can answer my questions

better without being upset by knowing the truth about her uncle. Tell her

there’s been a burglary, and ask her if she would mind dressing and coming down

to answer a few questions.”

 

It was Raymond who went upstairs on this errand.

 

“Miss Ackroyd will be down in a minute,” he said, when he returned. “I told her

just what you suggested.”

 

In less than five minutes Flora descended the staircase. She was wrapped in a

pale pink silk kimono. She looked anxious and excited.

 

The inspector stepped forward.