This was a piece of luck. Woodman would get the full story from the inspector, and he would also be able to give in return a piece of information which, he thought, would make Scotland Yard sit up. How on earth had they come to release Walter Brooklyn? Well, there was such a thing as re-arrest. After all, the man had not been acquitted. The inspector arrived in less than a quarter of an hour. He explained that he wished to ask Woodman a few questions relating to Prinsep’s private affairs, and also involving, he believed, certain of the servants at Liskeard House. Had Woodman heard anything of some trouble with a girl down at Fittleworth—the head gardener’s daughter—a Miriam Smith? Yes, Woodman did know about it; but he had not mentioned it before, as it was confidential, and there was no reason to believe it had anything to do with the murders. Prinsep had commissioned him to settle with the girl for a lump sum payment, in consideration of which she was to leave the district. Woodman understood there would be a child. Undoubtedly, Prinsep had behaved badly to the girl; but it was not the first time. Was there any reason to connect the incident with the murders? “There may be, or there may not, Mr. Woodman. Are you aware that the girl was engaged to be married to the butler at Liskeard House? Winter, his name is.” “Oh, I know Winter. A most trusted old family servant. I had no idea that he was engaged to the girl. But I feel quite sure you are wrong if you connect him in any way with the murders. He is the last man to be mixed up in such a thing. Besides, between ourselves, I haven’t a doubt that it was Walter Brooklyn who killed Prinsep. He may have killed George Brooklyn, too, or Prinsep may. But surely there is not much doubt he killed Prinsep.” “I see you have not heard the news, Mr. Woodman. Walter Brooklyn was released this afternoon.” Woodman thought that he would get fuller information if he simulated ignorance and astonishment. “Released? Whatever for?” he said. “Because our evidence seems to show that he had nothing to do with it.” “But, good heavens! there was his stick, and the telephone message, and his quarrel with Prinsep. What more do you want?” “I can’t go into the details, Mr. Woodman. But we have been convinced that he didn’t do it.” “Of course, if you have made up your mind, it is no good my telling you what I was going to tell you. But, when I last saw you, you were sure enough he was guilty. What on earth has made you change your opinion?” “If you have further information, you should certainly tell me, Mr. Woodman. We ought to know everything that has a possible bearing on the case.” “I will tell you; but it must be between ourselves. You know Thomas, who is Walter Brooklyn’s present solicitor. The man knows his client is guilty, and he had the effrontery to come here and ask me to help him in arranging a collusive defence.” “Indeed, what was it he proposed?”