He had taken his ticket and was making his way to the platform when he espied a familiar figure hurrying as from a train which had just come in, and apparently the man saw Tarling even before Tarling had recognised him, for he turned abruptly aside and would have disappeared into the press of people had not the detective overtaken him. "Hullo, Mr. Milburgh!" he said. "Your name is Milburgh, if I remember aright?" The manager of Lyne's Store turned, rubbing his hands, his habitual smile upon his face. "Why, to be sure," he said genially, "it's Mr. Tarling, the detective gentleman. What sad news this is, Mr. Tarling! How dreadful for everybody concerned!" "I suppose it has meant an upset at the Stores, this terrible happening?" "Oh, yes, sir," said Milburgh in a shocked voice. "Of course we closed the Store for the day. It is dreadful--the most dreadful thing within my experience. Is anybody suspected, sir?" he asked. Tarling shook his head. "It is a most mysterious circumstance, Mr. Milburgh," he said. And then: "May I ask if any provision had been made to carry on the business in the event of Mr. Lyne's sudden death?" Again Milburgh hesitated, and seemed reluctant to reply. "I am, of course, in control," he said, "as I was when Mr. Lyne took his trip around the world. I have received authority also from Mr. Lyne's solicitors to continue the direction of the business until the Court appoints a trustee." Tarling eyed him narrowly. "What effect has this murder had upon you personally?" he asked bluntly. "Does it enhance or depreciate your position?" Milburgh smiled. "Unhappily," he said, "it enhances my position, because it gives me a greater authority and a greater responsibility. I would that the occasion had never arisen, Mr. Tarling." "I'm sure you do," said Tarling dryly, remembering Lyne's accusations against the other's probity. After a few commonplaces the men parted. Milburgh! On the journey to Hertford Tarling analysed that urbane man, and found him deficient in certain essential qualities; weighed him and found him wanting in elements which should certainly form part of the equipment of a trustworthy man. At Hertford he jumped into a cab and gave the address. "Hillington Grove, sir? That's about two miles out," said the cabman. "It's Mrs. Rider you want?" Tarling nodded. "You ain't come with the young lady she was expecting?" said the driver "No," replied Tarling in surprise. "I was told to keep my eyes open for a young lady," explained the cabman vaguely.