He would hardly deceive us in so important a matter." The quick glance which this elicited from the Inspector awoke no corresponding flash in the eye of the imperturbable detective.

He continued to shake his head over the small object he was twirling thoughtfully about between his thumb and finger, and only from his general seriousness could the Inspector gather that his mind was no more at rest than his fingers.

Was this why his remark took the form of a question?
"Where was the Curator when you forced open that door behind the tapestry?
Was he anywhere in the building ?" "No, sir; he has not been there to-day.

He was ill last night, and he is ill to-day.

He sent us his excuses.