- Dear Mr. Beale,—
- Circumstances beyond my control make it necessary for me to leave to-night for Liverpool."
That was all. It was obviously half finished. He picked it up, folded it carefully and slipped it in his pocket. Then he returned to the hall, opened the door and passed out.
He explained briefly what had happened and crossed to the doctor's flat, and rang the bell.
CHAPTER X
A FRUITLESS SEARCH
A LIGHT glowed in the hall, the door was opened and the doctor, in slippers and velvet coat, stood in the entrance. He showed no resentment nor did he have time to show it.
"I want a word with you," said Beale.
"Twenty if you wish," said the doctor cheerfully. "Won't you come in?"
Beale was half-way in before the invitation was issued and followed the doctor to his study.
"Are you alone?" he asked.
"Quite alone. I have very few visitors. In fact, my last visitor was that unhappy man Jackson."
"When did you see Miss Cresswell last?"
The doctor raised his eyebrows.
"By what right?" he began.
"Cut all that out," said Beale roughly. "When did you see Miss Cresswell last?"
"I have not seen her to-day," said the doctor. "I have not been out of my flat since I came back from the inquest."
"I should like to search your flat," said Beale.
