of the house, considering with a smile a very broad back and a bent head
covered with short grizzled hair. The man within was stooping over a
number of papers laid out on the table.

''Twas ever thus,' said Trent in a melancholy tone, at the first sound
of which the man within turned round with startling swiftness. 'From
childhood's hour I've seen my fondest hopes decay. I did think I was
ahead of Scotland Yard this time, and now here is the hugest officer in
the entire Metropolitan force already occupying the position.'

The detective smiled grimly and came to the window. 'I was expecting
you, Mr. Trent,' he said. 'This is the sort of case that you like.'

'Since my tastes were being considered,' Trent replied, stepping into
the room, 'I wish they had followed up the idea by keeping my hated
rival out of the business. You have got a long start, too--I know all
about it.' His eyes began to wander round the room. 'How did you manage
it? You are a quick mover, I know; the dun deer's hide on fleeter foot
was never tied; but I don't see how you got here in time to be at work
yesterday evening. Has Scotland Yard secretly started an aviation corps?
Or is it in league with the infernal powers? In either case the Home
Secretary should be called upon to make a statement.'

'It's simpler than that,' said Mr. Murch with professional stolidity. 'I
happened to be on leave with the missus at Haley, which is only twelve
miles or so along the coast. As soon as our people there heard of the
murder they told me. I wired to the Chief, and was put in charge of the
case at once. I bicycled over yesterday evening, and have been at it
since then.'

'Arising out of that reply,' said Trent inattentively, 'how is Mrs.
Inspector Murch?'

'Never better, thank you,' answered the inspector, 'and frequently
speaks of you and the games you used to have with our kids. But you'll
excuse me saying, Mr. Trent, that you needn't trouble to talk your
nonsense to me while you're using your eyes. I know your ways by now.
I understand you've fallen on your feet as usual, and have the lady's
permission to go over the place and make enquiries.'

'Such is the fact,' said Trent. 'I am going to cut you out again,
inspector. I owe you one for beating me over the Abinger case, you old
fox. But if you really mean that you're not inclined for the social
amenities just now, let us leave compliments and talk business.' He
stepped to the table, glanced through the