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"Dealings with black market," smiled the Assistant Commissioner. "Where the devil does Amberdale get wheat?"

"Aye, it's a fact, sir. But such was their dinner, wi' fresh fruit and cold water. Wake left them, and according to Mrs. Vane's account, she then 'devoted herself to the Rites.' That's what she told me. They both talk verra freely about the Rites, whatever the Rites may be. She claims to remember nothing fro' the time these Rites began until she was awakened by Lord Marcus—that is, more than an hour after the crime was discovered."

The Assistant Commissioner crossed and stared out of the window, apparently fascinated by the spectacle of a stream of barges laden with cement being towed down the river. When he spoke, he spoke over his shoulder:

"Dr. Fawcett is quite satisfied this state of hypnosis or trance, or whatever it is, was authentic?"

"Quite so, sir. As far as that goes, speaking unprofessionally, Mrs. Vane was certainly in a verra queer state."

"Yes, yes. Just run through that part of your report again, Firth. Seem to recall something—"