The equestrian wore a grizzled beard, and looked at Somerset with a piercing eye as he noiselessly ambled nearer over the soft sod of the park.

He proved to be Mr.Cunningham Haze, chief constable of the district, who had become slightly known to Somerset during his sojourn here.
'One word, Mr.Somerset,' said the Chief, after they had exchanged nods of recognition, reining his horse as he spoke.
Somerset stopped.
'You have a studio at the castle in which you are preparing drawings ?' 'I have.' 'Have you a clerk ?' 'I had three till yesterday, when I paid them off.' 'Would they have any right to enter the studio late at night ?' 'There would have been nothing wrong in their doing so.

Either of them might have gone back at any time for something forgotten.

They lived quite near the castle.' 'Ah, then all is explained.

I was riding past over the grass on the night of last Thursday, and I saw two persons in your studio with a light.