He was supposed to have been washed up from the sea, but it has recently been stated that he was seen, on the evening of the day before his body was found, in the village, and it is also stated that he inquired from a certain person as to the whereabouts of your cottage.

He set out with the intention of calling upon you, and he was found dead in the morning by you, sir, within a hundred yards of where you were living." "Anything else, Grooton ?" "There is a lot of foolish talk, sir.

He is said to have been a relative of yours with whom you were not on good terms, and the young lady who has just given this information to the police through her father states that she has remained silent up to now at your request." "I am supposed, then," I said, "to be concerned in this fellow's death ?" "I have heard that opinion openly expressed, sir," Grooton assented, respectfully.
I nodded.
"Thank you, Grooton," I said.

"I shall be prepared then for anything that may happen.

If you hear anything further let me know." "I shall not fail to do so, sir," he answered.
He bowed and withdrew.