I have had my night's work for nothing." "It was just the cry you fancied you heard which made you undertake this expedition ?" "Precisely!" The inspector held up the broken rail.
"When was this smashed ?" he enquired.
"I have no idea," Tallente answered.

"All the woodwork about the place is rotten." "Doesn't it occur to you, sir, as being an extraordinarily dangerous thing to put it back in exactly the same position as though it were sound ?" "Iniquitous," Tallente agreed.
The inspector made a mental note.

Tallente threw the remains of his cigarette into the sea.

"I am going to bed now." he said.

"Can I offer you any refreshment, Mr.Inspector, or are your investigations not yet complete ?" "I thank you, sir, but I require nothing.