undoubtedly the most accomplished
scoundrel I've ever come across."

"If you will have it so," said Mr. Manley patiently. Then he smiled and
added: "Praise from an expert--"

They turned to see Mrs. Manley standing in the doorway, her lips parted,
her eyes dilated in a growing consternation.

She stepped forward. Mr. Flexen slipped round her and fairly fled.

She looked at Mr. Manley with horror-stricken eyes and said: "What--what
did he mean, Herbert?"

"He meant what he said. But what it really means is that I won't let him
hang that wretched James Hutchings," said Mr. Manley with a noble air.

* * * * *

Three months later, on the first night of Mr. Manley's play, Colonel
Grey came upon Mr. Flexen in the lounge of the Haymarket, between the
second and third acts. Both of them praised the play warmly, and there
came a pause.

Then Colonel Grey said: "I suppose you've given up all hope of solving
the problem of Loudwater's death."

"Oh, I solved it three months ago. It was Manley," said Mr. Flexen.

"By Jove!" said Colonel Grey softly.

"Not a doubt of it. I'll tell you all about it one of these days,"
said Mr. Flexen, for the bell rang to warn them that the third act was
about to begin.

In the corridor Colonel Grey said: "Queer that he should have dropped
down dead in the street a week before this success."

"Well, he was discharged from the Army for having a bad heart. But it is
a bit queer," said Mr. Flexen.

"The mills of God," said Colonel Grey.

"Looks like it," said Mr. Flexen.

End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Loudwater Mystery, by Edgar Jepson

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