13 ?" "Ah!" groaned the fat woman, looking tearfully over her double chin, "I see you have heard of it." "Everybody has heard of it," replied Lucian, "and I was one of the first to hear, since I live in Miss Greeb's house, opposite No.

13." "Indeed, sir!" grunted Mrs.Bensusan, stiffening a little at the sound of a rival lodging-house keeper's name.

"Then you are Mr.Denzil, the gentleman who occupies Miss Greeb's first floor front." "Yes.

And I have come to ask you a few questions." "About what, sir ?" said Mrs.Bensusan, visibly alarmed.
"Concerning Mr.Wrent." "You are a friend of his ?" "I said so, Mrs.Bensusan, but as a matter of fact I never set eyes on the gentleman in my life." Mrs.Bensusan gasped like a fish out of water, and patted her fat breast with her fat hand, as though to give herself courage.

"It is not like a gentleman to say that another gentleman's his friend when he ain't," she said, with an attempt at dignity.
"Very true," answered Lucian, with great composure, "but you know the saying, 'All is fair in love and war.' I will be plain with you, Mrs.
Bensusan," he added, "I am here to seek possible evidence in connection with the murder of Mr.Vrain, in No.