A few minutes more and I should have missed these gentlemen.

I don't know what you'll think of my news." "You haven't let that villain escape, I hope," Stephen exclaimed.
"Well," said the Superintendent, "he is out of my hands and yours too; and so is the woman.

Perhaps I had better tell you what has happened." "If you would be so kind," said Thorndyke, motioning the officer to a chair.
The superintendent seated himself with the manner of a man who has had a long and strenuous day, and forthwith began his story.
"As soon as we had your information, we procured a warrant for the arrest of both parties, and then I went straight to their flat with Inspector Badger and a sergeant.

There we learned from the attendant that they were away from home and were not expected back until to-day about noon.

We kept a watch on the premises, and this morning, about the time appointed, a man and a woman, answering to the description, arrived at the flat.