Ross nodded eagerly. “Know him well, Inspector. He’s the only survivor as far as my knowledge goes, of the famous Warburtons—the big banking family. You remember the celebrated ‘Mutual Bank Frauds’ about two years ago. Sir Felix Warburton was arrested and sentenced and afterwards committed suicide in his cell. He was Alan Warburton’s uncle—Alan being the son of his only brother—Murray Warburton. Alan’s father died when Alan was a boy. It’s rather a coincidence that you should have introduced his name.” “Why?” snapped Bannister. “Where’s the coincidence?” Anthony watched Ross’s face carefully and awaited his reply with much more than ordinary interest. “Well,” proceeded Ross, “what I meant exactly was this. Up to the time of the ‘Mutual Bank’ scandal, local gossip in Westhampton and Tranfield was inclined to couple Alan Warburton’s name with Sheila Delaney’s.” “Really now,” said Bannister; “that’s most interesting. And what happened _after_ the Bank scandal?” Ross shrugged his broad shoulders non-committally but the movement was expressive. “The lady didn’t appear to be anything like so keen—at least rumour has it so.” Bannister eyed Anthony significantly. Evidently an idea was beginning to assume very definite shape within his mind. “I see,” he said quietly. “The family reputation was tarnished—eh?” “Possibly,” smiled back Ross; “the Delaneys were always people to hold their heads high.” He gave Anthony the impression that he was very much more inclined to be confidential than to be reserved. But Mr. Bathurst kept quiet—he was content to let Bannister do the questioning. “And after that?” continued Bannister, “was there another Richmond in the field? Another lover—eh?” “I can’t answer that,” declared Ross. “Local gossip hasn’t reached that stage yet.” “But it’s quite likely—eh——?” urged Bannister. “I should imagine so—considering what a charming girl Miss Delaney was.” “H’m—what sort of a chap is this Alan Warburton—pretty steady? Or does he inherit the tendencies of Sir Felix?” “I know nothing against him,” declared Ross. “No whisper against him has ever reached me.” “How did he take the lady’s change of feelings?” “No idea. As I said just now, I’m only repeating local gossip.” With that the Inspector was forced to be content.