“He was shot at, several times, and once, in Washington, was attacked by a man with a knife. He maintained in my presence and in the presence of my friend, Mr. Knox, here, that these various attempts were due to members of a sect or religion known as Voodoo.” “Voodoo?” “Voodoo, Inspector, also known as Obeah, a cult which has spread from the West Coast of Africa throughout the West Indies and to parts of the United States. The bat wing is said to be a sign used by these people.” Inspector Aylesbury scratched his chin. “Now let me get this thing clear,” said he: “Colonel Menendez believed that people called Voodoos wanted to kill him? Before we go any farther, why?” “Twenty years ago in the West Indies he had shot an important member of this sect.” “Twenty years ago?” “According to a statement which he made to me, yes.” “I see. Then for twenty years these Voodoos have been trying to kill him? Then he comes and settles here in Surrey and someone nails a bat wing to his door? Did you see this bat wing?” “I did. I have it upstairs in my bag if you would care to examine it.” “Oh,” said the Inspector, “I see. And thinking he had been followed to England he came to you to see if you could save him?” Paul Harley nodded grimly. “Why did he go to you in preference to the local police, the proper authorities?” demanded the Inspector. “He was advised to do so by the Spanish ambassador, or so he informed me.” “Is that so? Well, I suppose it had to be. Coming from foreign parts. I expect he didn’t know what our police are for.” He cleared his throat. “Very well, I understand now what you were doing here, Mr. Harley. The next thing is, what were you doing tonight, as I see that both you and Mr. Knox are still in evening dress?” “We were keeping watch,” I replied. Inspector Aylesbury turned to me ponderously, raising a fat hand. “One moment, Mr. Knox, one moment,” he protested. “The evidence of one witness at a time.” “We were keeping watch,” said Harley, deliberately echoing my words. “Why?” “More or less we were here for that purpose. You see, on the night of the full moon, according to Colonel Menendez, Obeah people become particularly active.” “Why on the night of the full moon?” “This I cannot tell you.” “Oh, I see. You were keeping watch. Where were you keeping watch?” “In my room.” “In which part of the house is your room?” “Northeast. It overlooks the Tudor garden.” “At what time did you retire?” “About half-past ten.” “Did you leave the Colonel well?” “No, he had been unwell all day. He had remained in his room.” “Had he asked you to sit up?” “Not at all; our vigil was quite voluntary.” “Very well, then, you were in your room when the shot was fired?” “On the contrary, I was on the path in front of the house.” “Oh, I see. The front door was open, then?” “Not at all. Pedro had locked up for the night.” “And locked you out?”