CONCERNING THEODOEE SIDDLE Winter, being a cheerful cynic, had not erred when he appealed to that love of mystery which, especially if it is spiced with a hint of harmless intrigue, is innate in every feminine heart.

Indeed, he was so assured of the success of his somewhat dramatic move that as he walked to a rendezvous arranged with Superintendent Fowler on the Knoleworth road he reviewed carefully certain arguments meant to secure Doris's assistance.
Passing The Hollies, he smiled at the notion that Furneaux would undoubtedly have brought Grant to the conclave.

It was just the sort of difficult situation in which his colleague would have reveled.

But the Chief Inspector was more solid, more circumspect, even, singularly enough, more sensitive to the probable comments of a crusty judge if counsel for the defense contrived to elicit the facts.
"Anything fresh ?" inquired the superintendent, when a smart car drew up, and Winter entered.
Mr.Fowler was in plain clothes, and the blinds were half drawn.

No one could possibly recognize either of the occupants unless the car was halted, and the inquisitor literally thrust his head inside.