and jumped into the cab, which was directed to the street in question.
Though it was a good distance from our starting point, in less than half an hour we were there and had pulled up at the corner. As the cab stopped, a tall man, dressed in blue serge, who had been standing near the lamp-post, came forward and touched his hat.
"Good morning, Williams," said the inspector. "Any sign of our man?"
"Not one, sir. He hasn't come down the street since I've been here."
"Very good. Then come along and we'll pay the house a visit."
So saying he told the cabman to follow us slowly, and we proceeded down the street. About half-way along he stopped and pointed to a house on the opposite side.
"That is the house his lordship mentioned, with the broken windows; and this one is where Mr. Draper dwells, if I am not much mistaken—see the eagles on either side of the step just as described."
It was exactly as Beckenham had told us, even to the extent of the headless eagle on the left of the steps. It was a pretty little place, and evidently still occupied, as a housemaid was busily engaged cleaning the steps.
Pushing open the gate, the inspector entered the little garden and accosted the girl.
"Good morning," he said politely. "Pray, is your master at home?"
"Yes, sir; he's at breakfast just now."
"Well, would you mind telling him that some gentlemen would like to see him?"
"Yes, sir."
The girl rose to her feet, and, wiping her hands on
