His manner showed signs of growing anxiety.

He seemed to be trying to remember something.
"The name," he admitted finally, as they moved towards the door, "suggests to me, I must confess--We are going to see the house, Inspector ?" "We are on our way there now, sir--that is, if the young ladies are willing ?" he added, glancing at Laura.
"We've been waiting here with our hats on for the last half-hour," Laura replied promptly.

"You've stretched your ten minutes out some, Mr.
French." The Inspector manoeuvred to let the others pass on, and descended the stairs by Laura's side.
"Couldn't help it," he confided, lowering his tone a little.

"Had some information come in about that house I couldn't quite size up.

You're looking well this morning, Miss Laura." "Say, who are you guying!" she replied.
"I mean it," the Inspector persisted.