No question could have thrown a more vivid light into the somber depths of a crime which promised to transcend in interest and importance any similar occurrence in Great Britain during the previous decade.
"Doubtless," he said.

"Of course, I have not yet seen Mr.Forbes, but we have a mine of information here," and he laid a friendly hand on Theydon's arm.

"So far as I am concerned, I have had your house unobtrusively watched--for the protection of the inmates, I hope you understand--and I arranged also that anything unusual in the shape of telegrams or telephonic messages"-- here he glanced amusedly at Theydon--"should be communicated to the Yard.

I heard, therefore, of Mrs.Forbes's sudden illness almost as soon as you did, and traveled with you to Eastbourne, intending to reach the hotel at the same time as you, and ascertain whether or not your mother was really ill.

I saw you on the platform at Victoria and guessed your identity.