“Very soon after you left him, I’m afraid,” said Blunt gravely.

 

Flora raised her hand to her throat, gave a little cry, and I hurried to catch

her as she fell. She had fainted, and Blunt and I carried her upstairs and laid

her on her bed. Then I got him to wake Mrs. Ackroyd and tell her the news. Flora

soon revived, and I brought her mother to her, telling her what to do for the

girl. Then I hurried downstairs again.

 

CHAPTER VI

 

THE TUNISIAN DAGGER

 

I met the inspector just coming from the door which led into the kitchen

quarters.

 

“How’s the young lady, doctor?”

 

“Coming round nicely. Her mother’s with her.”

 

“That’s good. I’ve been questioning the servants. They all declare that no one

has been to the back door to-night. Your description of that stranger was rather

vague. Can’t you give us something more definite to go upon?”

 

“I’m afraid not,” I said regretfully. “It was a dark night, you see, and the