keeper. I won't keep you a moment, but I'm anxious to get back to the village now that I've seen all there is to see here."
"I know nothing as yet as to what———"
"Ex-actly," said Japp soothingly. "But there are just one or two little points I'd like your opinion about all the same. Captain Hastings here, he knows me, and he'll go on up to the house and tell them you're coming. What have you done with the little man, by the way, Captain Hastings?"
"He's ill in bed with influenza."
"Is he now? I'm sorry to hear that. Rather the case of the cart without the horse, your being here without him, isn't it?"
And on his rather ill-timed jest I went on to the house. I rang the bell, as Japp had closed the door behind him. After some moments it was opened to me by a middle-aged woman in black.
"Mr. Havering will be here in a moment," I explained. "He has been detained by the inspector. I have come down with him from London to look into the case. Perhaps you can tell me briefly what occurred last night."
"Come inside, sir." She closed the door
