While Spruce was thus occupied, the landlady of the inn knocked at the door to announce that Mr. Hench and Mr. Vane wished to see him. The Nut at once ordered them to be admitted, never doubting but what they were coming to conclude the matter of his blackmail. He rose to greet them pleasantly, as if he was the most honest person in the world, and when the door was closed signed that they should be seated. He resumed his post near the window, and in that way obtained a good view of their faces, while his own was in the shadow. As it was only half-past eight o'clock, the twilight was yet luminous enough to see very plainly, and although Spruce offered to ring for lights, Hench signified that it was not necessary. Then the host offered cigarettes and drinks, both of which were curtly refused. "You are uncommonly rude," said the Nut, much nettled. "When you look up a man you might be civil." "That depends very much on the man," said Vane coolly. "Neither Hench nor myself were ever friends of yours, Spruce." "Oh, I don't want your friendship. After all, you are a dull couple." "But honest," said Hench with emphasis. "Honesty implies dullness. It takes a clever man to sin." "What a brilliant person you must be, then." "That's sarcastic, I suppose." Spruce was not at all offended, but accepted the observation as a tribute to his powers. "But I don't mind. On the whole, I am clever enough to get two thousand a year." "You haven't earned it yet," snapped Vane with a look of dislike. Spruce started. "Ah, play fair, whatever you do," he protested. "Hench promised me two thousand a year if I told him about that old woman. You heard him, Vane." "I heard Hench promise to give you that income if the crime was brought home to Madame Alpenny, and his character cleared," said Vane dryly. "There is a difference between telling a thing and proving a thing." "I suppose that means Madame Alpenny denies her guilt?" said the Nut, turning to the other man. "It is useless for her to do so, as Simon can prove it." "Oh, I have seen Simon and have brought him down with me," said Hench quietly. "In fact, he is waiting outside to come in when called." "Then call him at once," said Spruce briskly. "I want to get this business completed and see the last of you. I hate bores." "Oh, you'll see the last of us sooner than you expect," said Vane grimly. "Good! You will confer a favour on me when you do cut." Spruce looked round again at Owain. "So you saw Madame Alpenny?" "Yesterday, at The Home of the Muses. I went up to town especially to see her, as you know." "And she----" "She denies that she was in Cookley on the night when my uncle was killed. I was given to understand by her that an anonymous letter summoned her to the Hampstead Ponds to meet some one." "For what purpose?" "The letter said that the person who wrote it--there was no name, remember--declared that information would be given to enable her to get the money at once from my uncle."