He wishes to ask you a question concerning--er--a motor-car." Colonel Henderson frowned.

He stepped a little forward with the air of wishing to exclude the Earl from further speech.
"May I ask, Miss Abbeway," he began, "whether the small coupe car, standing about a hundred yards down the back avenue, is yours ?" "It is," she assented, with a little sigh.

"It won't go." "It won't go ?" the Colonel repeated.
"I thought you might know something about cars," she explained.

"They tell me that two of the sparking plugs are cracked.

I am thinking of replacing them tomorrow morning, if I can get Mr.Orden to help me." "How long has the car been there in its present condition, then ?" the Colonel enquired.
"Since about five o'clock yesterday afternoon," she replied.
"You don't think it possible that it could have been out on the road anywhere last night, then ?" "Out on the road!" she laughed.