"Our reporter was about to put his plan into execution when Mrs. Middlemore clutched his arm. He instantly withdrew it.
"'Of course, Mrs. Middlemore,' he said, coldly, 'it is your house, and I can't commit a trespass without your permission.'
"'It ain't that, sir,' said Mrs. Middlemore, piteously. 'Sophy's a plucky little thing, and though I do give 'er a 'ard word now and then, I mean well by 'er, I do indeed, sir.'
"'Yer a good sort, aunty,' said Sophy. 'I don't mind yer 'ard words, not a bit.'
"''Old yer saucy tongue, and let me speak to the gentleman. Yes, sir, I mean well by Sophy, and I should never 'ave another minute's peace if anythink was to appen to 'er.'
"'What do you think will happen to her if I do what I propose?'
"'There's been one sudding death in the 'ouse, sir----.'
"'Go on, Mrs. Middlemore. Don't stop in the middle of a sentence; finish what you have to say. Time is very precious just now.'
"There's been one sudding death in the 'ouse, and now there's a man in there as won't or can't answer.'
"'You fear he might be dead. If so, he cannot do Sophy any harm. Eh, Sophy?'
"'Not 'im. It'd take more nor one dead man to scare Sophy. Jest you open the winder, and I'll be in like a shot.'
"'Have I your permission now, Mrs. Middlemore?'
"'But if he shouldn't be dead, sor. If he was laying in wait with a crowbar to knock Sophy on the 'ead----'
"'Oh, you are beginning to think the man who called upon you was not a police officer, after all?'
"'I never had any. He is as much a police officer as you are. He told you a cock and bull story, and got rid of you. He was left in the house alone, and, more for your sake than my own, I want to find out what he has been up to. Decide quickly, please.'
"'Do what you like, sir. You've been right in everything; but things are getting more and more mysterious.'
"Without wasting more words our reporter pushed his elbow into a pane, and putting his hand through, undid the fastening and raised the sash. Sophy climbed in like a cat, and the next minute the street door was open. They entered and closed the door behind them.
"'We will proceed systematically,' said our reporter. 'The man spoke to you in the passage here.'
"'Did you tell him to wait in the kitchen, or the parlor, or in any particular room?'