Lemoine rose also. “I will leave you,” he said. “We shall perhaps meet again later in the day.” With a graceful bow to Virginia, he stepped out of the window. “Bed,” said Virginia, yawning. “It’s all been very exciting. Come on, Bill, go to bed like a good little boy. The breakfast table will see us not, I fear.” Anthony stayed at the window looking after the retreating form of M. Lemoine. “You wouldn’t think it,” said Battle behind him, “but that’s supposed to be the cleverest detective in France.” “I don’t know that I wouldn’t,” said Anthony thoughtfully. “I rather think I would.” “Well,” said Battle, “he was right about the excitements of this night being over. By the way, do you remember my telling you about that man they’d found shot near Staines?” “Yes. Why?” “Nothing. They’ve identified him, that’s all. It seems he was called Giuseppe Manelli. He was a waiter at the Blitz in London. Curious, isn’t it?” 20 Battle and Anthony Confer Anthony said nothing. He continued to stare out of the window. Superintendent Battle looked for some time at his motionless back. “Well, good night, sir,” he said at last, and moved to the door. Anthony stirred. “Wait a minute, Battle.” The superintendent halted obediently. Anthony left the window. He drew out a cigarette from his case and lighted it. Then, between two puffs of smoke, he said: “You seem very interested in this business at Staines?” “I wouldn’t go as far as that, sir. It’s unusual, that’s all.” “Do you think the man was shot where he was found, or do you think he was killed elsewhere and the body brought to that particular spot afterwards?” “I think he was shot somewhere else, and the body brought there in a car.” “I think so too,” said Anthony. Something in the emphasis of his tone made the detective look up sharply. “Any ideas of your own, sir? Do you know who brought him there?” “Yes,” said Anthony. “I did.” He was a little annoyed at the absolutely unruffled calm preserved by the other. “I must say you take these shocks very well, Battle,” he remarked. “‘Never display emotion.’ That was a rule that was given to me once, and I’ve found it very useful.” “You live up to it, certainly,” said Anthony. “I can’t say I’ve ever seen you ruffled. Well, do you want to hear the whole story?” “If you please, Mr. Cade.” Anthony pulled up two of the chairs, both men sat down, and Anthony recounted the events of the preceding Thursday night. Battle listened immovably. There was a far-off twinkle in his eyes as Anthony finished. “You know, sir,” he said, “You’ll get into trouble one of these days.” “Then, for the second time, I’m not to be taken into custody?” “We always like to give a man plenty of rope,” said Superintendent Battle. “Very delicately put,” said Anthony. “Without unduly stressing the end of the proverb.” “What I can’t quite make out, sir,” said Battle, “is why you decided to come across with this now?”