He let himself in with his own key and laughed softly as he caught sight of his reflection in the mirror.

The house was strangely quiet and deserted, but he wasted no time in looking around.

He ran quickly upstairs, paused in his sitting-room only to take a cigar from the cabinet, passed on to the bedroom, threw Laura's clothes off, and, after a few moments' hesitation, selected from the wardrobe a rough tweed suit with a thick lining and lapels.

Just as he was tying his tie, the little wireless which he had laid on the table at his side began to record the message.

He glanced at the clock.