Jennings wondered why a man like Hale should connect himself with such a creature.

The men nodded to Senora Gredos, who took little notice of them, and then repaired to the buffet.

Owing to the position of the detective and Caranby, the new arrivals did not see them.

Nor for the present was the detective anxious to attract their notice.

Indeed, he would have stolen away unperceived, but that he wished to question Hale as to the whereabouts of Mrs.Herne.
"It is a long time since I have seen you," said Caranby, removing his eyes from the newcomers, and addressing the detective; "you were not an--er--an official when we last met." "It is three years ago," said Jennings; "no.