Mitchington he knew well enough; he was more interested in the other man, a stranger.

A quiet-looking, very ordinary individual, who might have been half a dozen things--but Ransford instantly set him down as a detective.

He turned from this man to the inspector.
"Well ?" he said, a little brusquely.

"What is it ?" "Sorry to intrude so late, Dr.Ransford," answered Mitchington, "but I should be much obliged if you would give us a bit of information--badly wanted, doctor, in view of recent events," he added, with a smile which was meant to be reassuring.

"I'm sure you can--if you will." "Sit down," said Ransford, pointing to chairs.