Man of the world. Still, if you say so. Question is, what was she doing down here?
She doesn't come from these parts, that's quite certain."
"That whole thing's a nightmare," fumed the angry master of the house.
"The point is, old man, what was she doing in your library?"
"How should I know?
I didn't ask her here."
"No, no. But she came here all the same.
Looks as though she wanted to see you.
You haven't had any odd letters or anything?"
"No, I haven't."
Colonel Melchett inquired delicately,
"What were you doing yourself last night?"
"I went to the meeting of the Conservative Association. Nine o'clock, at Much Benham."
"And you got home when?"
"I left Much Benham just after ten.
Had a bit of trouble on the way home, had to change a wheel.
I got back at a quarter to twelve."
"You didn't go into the library?"
"No."
"Pity."
"I was tired.
I went straight up to bed."
"Anyone waiting up for you?"
"No.
I always take the latchkey.
Lorrimer goes to bed at eleven, unless I give orders to the contrary."
"Who shuts up the library?"
"Lorrimer.
Usually about seven-thirty this time of year."
"Would he go in there again during the evening?"
"Not with my being out. He left the tray with whiskey and glasses in the hall."
"I see.
What about your wife?"
"She was in bed when I got home, and fast asleep.
She may have sat in the library yesterday evening, or in the drawing room.
I didn't ask her."
"Oh, well, we shall soon know all the details.
Of course it's possible one of the servants may be concerned, eh?"
Colonel Bantry shook his head. "I don't believe it. They're all a most respectable lot. We've had 'em for years."
Melchett agreed.
"Yes, it doesn't seem likely that they're mixed up in it.
Looks more as though the girl came down from town perhaps with some young fellow.
Though why they wanted to break into this house..."
Bantry interrupted.
"London. That's more like it. We don't have goings-on down here - at least-"
"Well, what is it?"
"Upon my word!" exploded Colonel Bantry. "Basil Blake!"
"Who's he?"
"Young fellow connected with the film industry.
Poisonous young brute.