When Billy returned with the front door key she was as impassive as he was.
"Has the new gardener come yet ?" "He here," said Billy stolidly.

"Name Brook." She was entirely herself once more when Billy, departing, held the door open wide--to admit Miss Cornelia Van Gorder and a tall, strong-featured man, quietly dressed, with reticent, piercing eyes--the detective! Dale's first conscious emotion was one of complete surprise.

She had expected a heavy-set, blue-jowled vulgarian with a black cigar, a battered derby, and stubby policeman's shoes.

"Why this man's a gentleman!" she thought.

"At least he looks like one--and yet--you can tell from his face he'd have as little mercy as a steel trap for anyone he had to--catch--" She shuddered uncontrollably.
"Dale, dear," said Miss Cornelia with triumph in her voice.