There had been talk of a detective being employed.

Perhaps this was he.

Mr.Tomlin knew the stranger's name, as he had taken a room, but that was the extent of the available information.
"A fine evenin', sir," said Tomlin, drawing a cork noisily.

"Looks as though we were in for a spell o' settled weather." "Yes," agreed Ingerman, summing up the conclave at a glance.

"Somehow, such a lovely night ill accords with the cause of my visit to Steynholme." "In-deed, sir ?" "Well, you and these other gentlemen may judge for yourselves.