"Miss Delora has not moved in the matter." "Then I consider," I declared, "that your action is premature, and I have nothing to say." The inspector was temporarily nonplussed.

My view of the situation was perfectly reasonable, and my assumption that there was some other reason for their visit was not without truth.

The man in the plain clothes, who had been listening intently but as yet had not spoken, intervened.
"Captain Rotherby," he said, "I am a detective from Scotland Yard,--in fact I am the head of one of the departments.

We know you quite well to be a young gentleman of family, and above suspicion.

We feel sure, therefore, that we can rely upon you to help us in any course we may take which is likely to lead to the detection of crime or criminals." "Up to a certain point," I assented, "you are perfectly right." "There are circumstances connected with these people the Deloras, uncle and niece," the detective continued, "which require investigation." "I am sorry," I answered, "but I cannot at present answer any more questions, except with Miss Delora's permission." "You can tell me this, Captain Rotherby," the detective asked, looking at me keenly, "do you know whether Miss Delora has been in communication with her uncle since she reached the hotel ?" "I have no idea," I answered.
"There is a telephone in her room," the detective continued, without removing his eyes from my face.