They were immediately conducted to Mr Shield’s sitting-room. Coutts was a little surprised and not pleased to find that Philip and Wrentham had arrived before him; and beside Mr Shield stood Mr Beecham—for whom he entertained an instinctive dislike, not to mention that on the few occasions of their meeting his wittiest cynicisms had been silenced by the quiet searching gaze of the elder man. Philip had not yet heard of the previous night’s events at Ringsford. He was pale, but calm, and he greeted his brother somewhat coldly. Wrentham was apparently at ease and playing his part of devoted and therefore anxious friend to perfection. He had not yet caught sight of Bob Tuppit, who easily hid himself behind the broad shoulders of Sergeant Dier. ‘I expected,’ said Coutts after formal salutations, ‘to have had the pleasure of a few minutes’ private conversation with you, Mr Shield, before we proceeded with this disagreeable business.’ ‘I don’t think it necessary,’ answered Shield in his brusque way. ‘As you will, sir,’ continued Coutts with a slight inclination of the head. ‘I have brought with me two persons who will, I believe, aid us materially in the inquiry we are about to make.’ ‘Who are they?’ was the blunt query, indicating Mr Shield’s usual impatience of palaver. ‘This is Mr Dier, who is interested on my behalf; and this’—— ‘Is a friend of mine,’ interposed Dier blandly, ‘who is an expert in distinguishing handwriting.’ Wrentham was the only one who showed surprise at these introductions, and he moved a little backward at sight of Bob Tuppit, covering his uneasiness by a slight cough, as if clearing his throat. Shield looked at Beecham, and the latter spoke. ‘A very good idea, Mr Hadleigh, and as I have some acquaintance with Mr Tuppit, I can vouch for his ability to discharge any task he undertakes. I presume you have shown him specimens of the different handwritings?’ ‘I do not understand your position in this affair, Mr Beecham,’ said Coutts superciliously; ‘I can only address myself to Mr Shield, or if he chooses, I can retire, and let the matter take the ordinary legal course.’ ‘I am here as the friend of Mr Shield,’ was the reply, without the least symptom of irritation at the manner and words of Coutts. ‘You can speak to him as you would to me,’ growled Shield. ‘Oh, very well,’ said Coutts, shrugging his shoulders. ‘I thought you wanted to keep the affair as quiet as possible. But, please yourself. Then, I have not submitted any writing to Mr Tuppit, whose name I learn from Mr Beecham. He, being perfectly acquainted with the penmanship of one of the persons concerned, I thought it would be more satisfactory to you to have the investigation made in your presence.’ He glanced at Wrentham as he spoke, and that gentleman assumed an air of curiosity and interest. ‘Begin with Tuppit at once: that will cut the thing short,’ said Shield, as if already impatient of the delay caused by these preliminaries.