Mr Inspector Gillian of Barnstaple had no idea of denying his profession.

He had travelled over in a specially hired motor-car, and he was wearing his best uniform.

He rose to his feet at Tallente's entrance and saluted a little ponderously.
"Mr.Andrew Tallente, sir ?" he enquired.
Tallente silently admitted his identity, waved the inspector back to his seat--the one high-backed and uncomfortable chair in the room--and took an easy-chair himself.
"I have come over, sir," the man continued, "according to instructions received by telephone from Scotland Yard.

My business is to ask you a few questions concerning the disappearance of the Honourable Anthony Palliser, who was, I am given to understand, your secretary." "Dear me!" Tallente exclaimed.

"I had no idea that the young man's temporary absence from polite society would be turned into a melodramatic disappearance." The inspector took mental note of the levity in Tallente's tone, and disapproved.
"The Honourable Anthony Palliser disappeared from here, sir, on Tuesday night last, the night of your return from London," he said.