Absurd. This is my work - it has come to me and I shall do it. You believe I can’t -“

“Not at all,” protested Kirk.

“Oh, yes you do. Everybody will. I’ll show them. You’ve called the police, of course.”

“Not yet,” Kirk answered.

She sat down resolutely at the desk, and took up the telephone. “Davenport 20,” she said. “The Hall of Justice?… Captain Flannery, please… Hello - Captain? Miss Morrow of the district attorney’s office speaking. There has been a murder in Mr. Kirk’s office on the top floor of the Kirk Building. You had better come yourself… Thank you… Yes - I’ll attend to that.”

She got up, and, going round the desk, bent over Sir Frederic. She noted the book, and her eyes strayed wonderingly to the stocking feet. Inquiringly she turned to Chan.

“The slippers of Hilary Galt,” he nodded. “Souvenir of that unhappy case, they adorned his feet when he came down. Here is Paradise - he will explain to you.”

The butler had returned, and Miss Morrow faced him. “Tell us what you know, please,” she said.

“I was busy in the pantry,” Paradise said. “I thought I heard the buzz of the burglar alarm by Mr. Kirk’s bed - the one connected with the windows and safe in this room. I hastened to make sure, but Sir Frederic was just behind. It was almost as though he had been expecting it. I don’t know how I got that impression - I’m odd that way -“

“Go on,” said the girl. “Sir Frederic followed you into Mr. Kirk’s room?”

“Yes, Miss. ‘There’s some one below, sir,’ I said. ‘Some one who doesn’t belong there.’ Sir Frederic looked back into the pitch dark living-room. ‘I fancy so, Paradise,’ he said. He was smiling. ‘I will attend to it. No need to disturb Mr. Kirk or his guests.’ I followed him into his room.