"And no chauffeur," the other muttered. The officer searched the car and drew out a license from the flap pocket. The commissionaire from the restaurant approached them. "Say, what are you doing with that car?" he demanded. "Better fetch the gentleman to whom it belongs," the inspector directed. "What's up, anyway?" the man persisted. "You do as you're told," was the sharp reply. The commissionaire disappeared. The officer studied the license which he had just opened. "What's the name?" Lutchester inquired. The man hesitated for a moment, then passed it over. "Oscar H. Fischer," he said. "Happen to know the name?" Lutchester's face was immovable. He passed the license back again. They both turned round. Mr. Fischer had issued from the restaurant. "What's wrong?" he asked hastily. "The commissionaire says you want me, Mr. Officer?" The inspector produced his pocketbook. "Just want to ask you a few questions about your chauffeur, sir." Fischer glanced at the driver's seat of the car, as though aware of the man's disappearance for the first time. "What's become of the fellow?" he inquired. "Shot himself," the inspector replied, "after a deliberate attempt to murder this gentleman." Mr. Fischer's composure was admirable. There was a touch of gravity mingled with his bewilderment. Nevertheless, he avoided meeting Lutchester's eyes. "You horrify me!" he exclaimed. "Why, the fellow's only been driving for me for a few hours." "That so?" the officer remarked, with a grunt. "Get any references with him?" "As a matter of fact, I did not," Fischer admitted frankly. "I discharged my chauffeur yesterday, at a moment's notice, and this man happened to call just as I was wanting the car out this afternoon. He promised to bring me references to-morrow from Mr. Gould and others. I engaged him on that understanding. He told me that his name was Kay-- Robert Kay. That is all that I know about him, except that he was an excellent driver. I am exceedingly sorry Mr. Lutchester," he went on, turning towards him, "that this should have happened." "So you two know one another, eh?" the officer observed. "Oh, yes, we know one another!" Lutchester admitted drily. "I shall have to ask you both for your names and addresses," the official continued. "I think I won't ask you any more questions at present. Seems to me headquarters had better take this on." "I shall be quite at your service," Lutchester promised. The man made a few more notes, saluted, and took his leave. Fischer and Lutchester remained for a moment upon the pavement. "It is a dangerous custom," Lutchester remarked, "to take a servant without a reference." "It will be a warning to me for the remainder of my life," Fischer declared. "I, too, have learnt something," Lutchester concluded, as he turned away. CHAPTER XXVII