may be in your
power to give us a clue to the persons who committed it."

"You frighten me, sir," replied the lady. "I cannot at all see in what
way I can help you. I lead a life of the greatest quietness."

"I do not wish to imply that you do know anything of them. I only want
you to carry your memory back as far as yesterday, and to answer me the
few simple questions I may ask you."

"I will answer them to the best of my ability."

"Well, in the first place, may I ask if you remember seeing a brougham
drive up to that house opposite about mid-day yesterday?"

"No, I cannot say that I do," the old lady replied after a moment's
consideration.

"Do you remember seeing a number of men leave the house during the
afternoon?"

"No. If they came out I did not notice them."

"Now, think for one moment, if you please, and tell me what vehicles, if
any, you remember seeing stop there."

"Let me try to remember. There was Judge's baker's cart, about three,
the milk about five, and a furniture van about half-past six."

"That's just what I want to know. And have you any recollection whose
furniture van it was?"

"Yes. I remember reading the name as it turned round. Goddard & James,
George Street. I wondered if the tenant was going to move."

The Inspector rose, and I followed his example.

"I am exceedingly obliged to you, Miss Tiffins. You have helped me
materially."

"I am glad of that," she answered; "but I trust I shall not be wanted to
give evidence in court."

"You need have no fear on that score," the Inspector answered.
"Good-day."

When we had left the house the Inspector turned to me and said--

"It was a great piece of luck finding a dressmaker opposite. Commend me
to ladies of that profession for knowing what goes on in the street. Now
we will visit Messrs. Goddard & James and see who hired the things.
Meantime, Williams," (here he called the plain-clothes constable to him),
"you had better remain here and watch that house. If the man we saw
comes out, follow him, and let me know where he goes."

"Very good, sir," the constable replied, and we left him to his vigil.

Then, hailing a passing cab, we jumped into it and directed the driver
to convey us to George Street. By this time it was getting on for
mid-day, and we were both worn out. But I was in such a nervous state
that I could not remain inactive. Phyllis had been in Nikola's hands
nearly fourteen hours, and so far we had not obtained one