“Have you come to tell me that Inspector Mansfield has arrived?” she asked, perfectly naturally. Roger threw himself casually on the ground just in front of her. “No, he hasn’t come yet,” he replied easily. “Very hot out here, isn’t it?” “I suppose it is. But the heat doesn’t worry me, I’m glad to say. I had enough of it in the Soudan to inure me to anything that this country can produce.” “You’re lucky then. Alec, why on earth don’t you lie down and be comfortable? Never stand up when you can sit down instead. By the way, Mrs. Plant, I suppose you’ll be staying over for the inquest to-morrow, won’t you?” “Oh, no. I shall be off this afternoon, Mr. Sheringham.” Roger glanced up. “But surely you’ll be wanted to give evidence? You were the last person to see him alive, weren’t you? In the hall, you know?” “Oh, I—I don’t think I shall be needed, shall I?” Mrs. Plant asked apprehensively, paling slightly. “The inspector didn’t—he didn’t say anything about it.” “Perhaps he didn’t know then that you were the last person,” said Roger carelessly, but watching her narrowly. “And afterwards he must have forgotten to warn you; or else he was intending to do so this afternoon. But they’re certain to need you, you know.” It was very clear that this piece of news was highly unwelcome. Mrs. Plant’s hand was trembling in her lap, and she was biting her lip in an effort to retain her self-control. “Do you really think so?” she asked, in a voice that she strove desperately to render unconcerned. “But I haven’t got anything of—of any importance to tell, you know.” “Oh, no, of course not,” Roger said reassuringly. “It’s only a matter of form, you know. You’ll just have to repeat what you told the inspector this morning.” “Will they—— Are they likely to ask me any questions, Mr. Sheringham?” Mrs. Plant asked, with a little laugh. “Oh, they may ask you one or two, perhaps. Nothing very dreadful.” “I see. What sort of questions, would you imagine?” “About Mr. Stanworth’s manner, probably. Whether he was cheerful, and all that. And of course they’ll want to know what he spoke to you about.” “Oh, that was nothing,” Mrs. Plant replied quickly. “Just about—— Oh, nothing of any importance whatever. Er—you will be giving evidence, too, won’t you, Mr. Sheringham?” “Yes, unfortunately.” Only the white knuckles of her clenched hand gave any hint of Mrs. Plant’s feelings as she asked lightly enough, “And you’re not going to give me away over that absurd panic of mine about my jewels this morning, are you? You promised, didn’t you?” “Of course not!” said Roger easily. “Wouldn’t dream of it!” “Not even if they ask you?” Mrs. Plant persisted, with a nervous little laugh. “How could they ask me?” Roger smiled. “Nobody knows anything about it except us three. Besides, I shouldn’t think of giving you away.” “Nor you, Mr. Grierson?” she asked, turning to Alec. Alec flushed slightly. “Naturally not,” he said awkwardly.