That very imposing police inspector who broke up our tete-a-tete yesterday afternoon and I fear shortened your visit came on his account.

He was the spokesman for a superior authority in London.

They have come to the conclusion that I could, if I chose, throw some light upon his disappearance." "And could you ?" He rose to his feet.
"You are the one person in the world," he said, "to whom I could tell nothing but the truth.

I could." They both heard the sound of footsteps in the hall.

Lady Jane, disturbed by the ominous note in Tallente's voice, rose also to her feet, glancing from him towards the door, filled with some vague, inexplicable apprehension.