He had no previous experience of Scotland Yard men or methods, and was inclined to be skeptical about Furneaux.

But Winter's prompt use of a chance opening, and the restraint which cut off the investigation before the girl could suspect any ulterior motive, displayed a technique which the Sussex Constabulary had few opportunities of acquiring.
"Now, Miss Martin," began Winter, "if ever you have the misfortune to fall ill--touch wood, please--and call in a doctor, you'll tell him the facts, eh ?" "Why consult him at all, if I don't ?" she smiled.
"Exactly.

To-day I'm somewhat in the position of a Harley-street specialist, summoned to assist an eminent local practitioner in Dr.
Fowler.

That's a sort of gentle preliminary, leading up to the disagreeable duty of putting some questions of a personal nature.

What you may answer will not go beyond ourselves.