THE END OF THE CASE A profound silence had fallen on the room and its occupants.

Mr.
Jellicoe sat with his eyes fixed on the table as if deep in thought, the unlighted cigarette in one hand, the other grasping the tumbler of water.

Presently Inspector Badger coughed impatiently and he looked up.
"I beg your pardon, gentlemen," he said.

"I am keeping you waiting." He took a sip from the tumbler, opened a matchbox and took out a match, but apparently altering his mind, laid it down and commenced: "The unfortunate affair which has brought you here to-night, had its origin ten years ago.

At that time my friend Hurst became suddenly involved in financial difficulties--am I speaking too fast for you, Mr.
Badger ?" "No, not at all," replied Badger.