She led the way into the drawing-room, and carefully closed the door after us.
"Mr.Ducaine," she said, "I mean it, really.

There is some one in the village making inquiries--about--the man who was found dead." "Well," I said, "that is not very surprising, is it?
His friends were almost certain to turn up sooner or later." "His friends! But do you know who it is ?" she asked.
I sank resignedly into one of Mrs.Moyat's wool-work covered chairs.
An absurd little canary was singing itself hoarse almost over my head.
I half closed my eyes.

How many more problems was I to be confronted with during these long-drawn-out days of mystery?
"Oh, I do not know," I declared.

"I am sure I do not care.

I am sorry that I ever asked you for one moment to keep your counsel about the fellow.