at the officer sternly. The inspector stood to one side, uncomfortably.
"And now, Ethel," Mrs. Varris exclaimed when the introductions were over, "what has happened and what is the matter?"
"A most stupid mistake has happened, mother, but nothing is the matter which you cannot correct in a moment, if you will. The inspector here, who came down from Plymouth with us on the train this morning, merely wants you to tell him what time Mr. Preston left us at the Tudor last night—to avoid another stupid mistake, mother!"
"Oh, that is all?" Mrs. Varris asked, much relieved. "I will be very glad to give that, or anything else which can help him clear his case. It was after twelve, Inspector, when Mr. Preston left—but then, he had come rather late."
"At what time he came is not material, madam." The inspector collected himself. "The time of his departure alone is the question—and essential. We know that he did
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