"Aye--under constable: second to me. Got un appointed six months ago. Him had just gone a bit of a time when Miss Renfrew come rushin' in and shrieked out about the murder; but he heard the rumpus and came poundin' back, of course. I dunno what I'd 'a' done if un hadn't, for Miss Renfrew her went from one faintin' fit to another--'twas just orful. Gorham helped Ah to carry her up to the sittin'-room, wheer Mistress Armroyd burnt feathers under her nose, and when we'd got her round a bit we all three went outside and round to the laboratory. That's when we first see the prints of the animal's feet. Mistress Armroyd spied 'em first--all over the flower bed just under the laboratory window." "Oho! then that is what you meant when you alluded to an 'animal' when you pounced down upon us, was it? I see. One word more: what kind of an animal was it? Or couldn't you tell from the marks?" "No, sir, I couldn't--nobody could unless it might be Sir Ralph Droger. He'll be like to, if anybody. Keeps all sorts of animals and birds and things in great cages in Droger Park, does Sir Ralph. One thing I can swear to, though, sir: they warn't like the footprints of any animal as I ever see. Theer be a picture o' St. Jarge and the Dragon on the walls o' Town Hall at Birchampton, Mr. Headland, sir, and them footprints is more like the paws of that dragon than anything else I can call to mind. Scaly and clawed they is--like the thing as made 'em was part bird and part beast--and they're a good twelve inches long, every one of 'em." "Hum-m-m! That's extraordinary. Deeply imprinted, are they?" "Lummy! yes, sir. The animal as made 'em must have weighed ten or twelve stone at least. Soon as I see them, sir, I knowed I had my work cut out, so I left Gorham in charge of the house, rattled up these two men and Mr. Simpkins, here--which all three is employed at Droger Park, sir--and set out hot foot to look for gypsies." "Why?" "'Cause Mistress Armroyd she says as she see a gypsy lurkin' round the place just before dark, sir; and he had a queer thing like a bear's muzzle in his hand." "Ah, I see!" said Cleek; and gave one of his odd smiles as he turned round and looked at the superintendent. "All ready, Mr. Narkom? Good! Let us go over to the Round House and investigate this interesting case. Dollops, stop where you are and look after the caravan. If we are away more than a couple of hours, tumble into bed and go to sleep. We may be a short time or we may be a long one. In affairs like this one never knows." * * * * * "Any ideas, old chap?" queried Narkom in a whisper as they forged along together in the wake of Nippers and his three companions. "Yes--a great many," answered Cleek. "I am particularly anxious, Mr. Narkom, to have a look at those footprints and an interview with Miss Renfrew. I want to meet that young lady very much indeed." CHAPTER VIII