Linckes pulled out his cigarette-case, frowning. He started to tap a cigarette on it absent-mindedly.

“The servants have been accounted for I suppose?”

Winthrop’s white teeth gleamed in an infectious laugh.

“Oh lor’, yes! They’re all being watched and interrogated, and Heaven knows what besides. We don’t think they have anything to do with it. It’s too big a thing.”

“I may act as I think fit?” Linckes asked.

“Absolutely! Interview all the servants, or anyone else you like. I say, don’t smoke your own cigarette. Have one of mine.”

Linckes suddenly became aware of the cigarette in his hand.

“I beg your pardon!” he exclaimed. “I ought to have asked you if you minded smoking. Well, thanks very much!” He took a cigarette from the box Winthrop held out to him, and inspected it. “’Fraid I don’t usually indulge in this brand. I smoke gaspers as a general rule.”

He lit the cigarette, smiling.

“Do you? I only smoke these. Sometimes, but very rarely, a cigar.”

“Of course, I really prefer a pipe to anything,” Linckes remarked.

Winthrop shook his head. “Can’t rise to that. I think they’re ghastly things. Look here! Have I told you enough? I mean, ask me any question you like.”

“I think I’ve got enough to keep me occupied for a few days, thanks. I’ll be getting along now if you don’t mind.” He rose and held out his hand.

Winthrop jumped up.

“Right-ho! And try your damnedest, won’t you? We’re trying to keep a brave front. But—well, it’s serious. Just as serious as it can be. And until the mystery is solved Caryu and the rest of us are in a pretty sultry position. And —and it happens to mean rather a lot, to me especially, to have the thing cleared up.”

“You may be quite sure that I shall do my best,” Linckes told him. He gripped Winthrop’s hand, and as he did so the door opened.

“Charlie, it really is too bad of you!” chided an amused voice. “I suppose you’ve quite forgotten that you asked me to lunch with you at the Berkeley? I beg your pardon I’d no idea you were engaged. Daddy, he’s deep in business.”

“Well, you shouldn’t burst in on him in that unceremonious way,” answered Caryu. He came leisurely into the room and cast a quick glance at Linckes. “Sorry to intrude like this, Charles. Autonia’s fault!”

“How was I to know that he was engaged?” demanded Miss Caryu aggrievedly. She sauntered forward, bowing to Linckes.

“I’m not engaged, I’m sorry to say,” retorted Winthrop. “I hadn’t forgotten, Tony, honestly. I was detained, but I was just coming. Caryu, may I introduce Mr. Linckes?”

Linckes found himself the object of a keen scrutiny.

“Very pleased to meet you!” said Caryu, and shook hands. “You’re not Tom Linckes’ son, by any chance?”

“Yes, I am, sir. Do you know him?”

“Very well. We were at college together. Hope you’ll be able to help us in this business.”