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"One moment, Lord Marcus."

Lord Marcus paused, his hand raised again to the curtain and glanced back at the Chief Inspector, who had addressed him.

"At your service."

"When ye have awakened the lady in yon, I should be glad, wi' the doctor's consent, to see her for a moment."

"I will do my best."

Lord Marcus pushed the plated panels aside, went into the dimly lighted place beyond, and reclosed the door.

Silence became so complete that it was possible to hear the pattering of rain in the street outside. It was broken by a muffled sound of that musical chanting which the police officers dimly had heard before. The Chief Inspector frowned irritably. Fay shuddered, turning away and clasping her hands. Firth looked at the rather forlorn figure and his frown melted into a smile. This smile revealed a man no criminal had ever met.

"I am more than sorry to have to ask, Miss Perigal, but—" he nodded towards the couch—"does it happen ye are acquainted wi' this man?"

Fay Perigal breathed deeply; she was obviously exercising an effort of self control: she remained very pale. She nodded.