THE RAILWAY station at Smetham lay some half-mile out
of the actual town, though it was connected by a row of
houses and shops. The staff, therefore, though they soon
heard whispers of strange things in the town, were still
at work when Anthony, late in the evening, returned.
He had spent the afternoon at his rooms in solitude and
meditation and had then, rather to his own surprise, de-
termined suddenly to go and have a good dinner. After
this he had made his way to King's Cross, and got out of
the train at Smetham about half past nine. His room at
the hotel was still kept for him, but he wanted first of all
to see Damaris. From the station, however, he tele-
phoned to the hotel to know if there were any messages.
He was told that a gentleman was at that very moment
waiting for him.

"Ask the gentleman to speak," Anthony said, and in
a minute heard Richardson's voice.

"Hello," it said. "That you, Durrant?"

"Rather," Anthony answered. "How are things with
you?"

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