‘Have you seen Mr Ponson lately?’ he inquired. ‘Yes, sir,’ answered the man, ‘he and Lady and Miss Ponson passed in the car about half an hour ago, going towards London.’ This was a fortunate chance, and relieved the Inspector of a possibly tedious wait, as he wished to make his call at the house when Austin was from home. He now rang at the door. The butler appeared. ‘Is Mr Ponson at home?’ ‘No, sir. He went out about half an hour ago. I expect him back about six. What name shall I say?’ ‘Tanner. Inspector Tanner of New Scotland Yard. I am sorry Mr Ponson is out as I wished to ask him for a little information, but perhaps if you would be so kind you might be able to give it to me.’ The butler was obviously impressed by the occupation of his visitor, and Tanner felt sure his curiosity would also be aroused. ‘If you will come in I shall be glad to do what I can.’ ‘Now, Mr—? I didn’t hear your name?’ ‘Lewis. John Lewis.’ ‘Well, Mr Lewis, Mr Ponson told me a curious story of a hoax that had been played on him last Wednesday night. I was down, you know, about Sir William’s death, and we got talking. You know about the hoax, I suppose?’ ‘Not a word,’ the butler answered, his manner portraying keen interest. ‘He didn’t tell me it was any secret. He got a note on Wednesday evening asking him to go out to meet some friends that night at the Abbey ruin.’ The butler nodded several times. ‘Yes, I remember that note. I found it in the hall-door letter-box. It must have been left by private messenger, for there was no postmark on it. After Mr Austin had read it he came asking me where I had found it. He seemed kind of puzzled about it.’ ‘That would be it,’ Tanner agreed. ‘He went out to the Abbey, but when he reached it there was no one there and he had his journey for nothing. Someone had hoaxed him properly.’ ‘Bless us all!’ ejaculated the butler. ‘You don’t say?’ ‘Mr Ponson asked me when I was here to look into the thing for him and I did. I found some footsteps there that might give a clue, but the worst of it is I don’t know whether they weren’t made by himself. Maybe, Mr Lewis, you would help me there. I would be much obliged, I’m sure.’ ‘Certainly, Mr Tanner. I’d be pleased if you’d tell me how.’ ‘All I want is to see the shoes Mr Ponson wore on Wednesday night, so as I can compare them with the prints.’ The butler’s face fell. ‘That’s just the one thing I can’t do,’ he answered. ‘They’re not here. I missed them on Friday, and told Mr Austin. He said they were not comfortable, and he had sent them to be stretched.’ ‘They were new, then?’ ‘Yes, he got them in town on Monday.’ ‘It was curious he should wear them that night if they weren’t comfortable.’ ‘I suppose he hadn’t found it out. That evening was the first time he had had them on.’ ‘I see.’ Tanner nodded his head, then continued, ‘What time did he go out, Mr Lewis?’ ‘About eight or a bit after.’ ‘And when did he get back?’