"It's past ten o'clock." Ransford offered no suggestion.

He sat silently waiting, until the parlourmaid entered.
"Inspector Mitchington would be much obliged if you could give him a few minutes, sir," she said.
Ransford got up from his chair.
"Take Inspector Mitchington into the study," he said.

"Is he alone ?" "No, sir--there's a gentleman with him," replied the girl.
"All right--I'll be with them presently," answered Ransford.

"Take them both in there and light the gas.

Police!" he went on, when the parlourmaid had gone.