“When did you discover the dagger was gone?” “When I was looking round the room whilst Willings was putting on his coat. How is Lothario?” “He’s all right,” said Parr. “I am afraid he will recover--I mean,” he added hastily, “I am glad to say he’ll get better. Was that the first time Willings noticed the absence of the dagger?” She nodded. “Did you carry a muff?” “Yes,” she said. “Is that the place where the deadly weapon was supposed to be concealed?” “Did you have your muff in your hand when you went into his house at Hatfield?” She thought a moment. “Yes,” she nodded. Inspector Parr rose. “You’re getting all the food you require?” “Yes: from prison,” she said emphatically. “Prison food will suit me very well, thank you, and I do not want anybody, out of mistaken kindness, to send in luscious dishes from outside, as I understand prisoners on remand are allowed.” He scratched his chin. “I think you’re wise,” he said. Chapter XL. The Escape The outrage upon Raphael Willings had produced something like a panic in the Cabinet. Mr. Parr learnt how profound was the concern when he returned to head-quarters. And the Prime Minister was justified in his anxiety. The Crimson Circle had not stated when the next blow would fall, or upon whom. The inspector was sent for to Downing Street, and was closeted with the Prime Minister for two hours. It was the first personal consultation he had had, and it was followed by a meeting of the inner Cabinet, a fact that was duly recorded in the newspapers. It was said, but without authority, that the life of the Prime Minister had been threatened, and this statement was neither denied nor affirmed. Derrick Yale, returning to his flat that night, found Inspector Parr waiting on the door-mat. “Is anything wrong?” he asked quickly. “I want your help,” said Parr, and did not speak again until he was sitting in a comfortable chair before the fire in Yale’s sitting room. “You know, Yale, that I’ve got to go, and the Prime Minister is considering the advisability of my going a little sooner than I had expected. There has been a Cabinet committee appointed, and they are calling into question the methods which head-quarters are employing and I have been asked by the Commissioner to attend an informal meeting at the Prime Minister’s house to-morrow evening.” “What is the idea?” asked Yale. “I’m to give a sort of lecture,” said Parr gloomily, “and explain to the members of the Cabinet the methods I have employed against the Crimson Circle. You probably know that I have been given unusual powers, and that I have not been asked to tell the Government all I know. I intend doing that on Friday evening, and I want your help.” “My dear chap, you have it before you ask it,” said Yale warmly, and Parr went on.