"Your name is Milburgh, if I remember aright ?" The manager of Lyne's Store turned, rubbing his hands, his habitual smile upon his face.
"Why, to be sure," he said genially, "it's Mr.Tarling, the detective gentleman.

What sad news this is, Mr.Tarling! How dreadful for everybody concerned!" "I suppose it has meant an upset at the Stores, this terrible happening ?" "Oh, yes, sir," said Milburgh in a shocked voice.

"Of course we closed the Store for the day.

It is dreadful--the most dreadful thing within my experience.

Is anybody suspected, sir ?" he asked.
Tarling shook his head.
"It is a most mysterious circumstance, Mr.Milburgh," he said.