The lurking devil of self-consciousness whispers caution as the safer quality.

Mr.Brimsdown hearkened to the whisper, and stood there in silence, while the minutes slipped by which might have bridged the gap.
There was a quick step in the passage outside, and the door opened to admit Detective Barrant.

He looked inquiringly from one to the other, and addressed himself to the lawyer.
"Are you Mr.Brimsdown ?" he asked.
"That is my name," the lawyer replied.
"I am Detective Barrant of Scotland Yard.

I wish to speak to you privately." His emphasis on the last word was not lost on Charles Turold.

With a slight indifferent nod to Mr.Brimsdown he went out of the room, closing the door quietly behind him.
"I have come to see you about this letter which you left with Inspector Dawfield." Barrant produced the letter and took the single sheet from the grey envelope.
"That is the reason of my presence in Cornwall," said Mr.Brimsdown.
"So I imagined.