But--what?
That evening, as Bent and his guest were lighting their cigars after dinner, Bent's parlour-maid came into the smoking-room with a card.

Bent glanced from it to Brereton with a look of surprise.
"Mr.Christopher Pett!" he exclaimed.

"What on earth does he want me for?
Bring Mr.Pett in here, anyway," he continued, turning to the parlour-maid.

"Is he alone ?--or is Miss Pett with him ?" "The police-superintendent's with him, sir," answered the girl.

"They said--could they see you and Mr.Brereton for half an hour, on business ?" "Bring them both in, then," said Bent.