“Of course,” continued Anthony, “the word Chimneys might have nothing whatever to do with this house. On the other hand, it might. And undoubtedly this Giuseppe was a thieving rascal. I made up my mind to motor down here last night, satisfy myself that all was as it should be, put up at the inn, and call upon Lord Caterham in the morning and put him on his guard in case some mischief should be intended during the week-end.” “Quite so,” said Lord Caterham encouragingly. “Quite so.” “I was late in getting here—had not allowed enough time. Consequently I stopped the car, climbed over the wall and ran across the park. When I arrived on the terrace, the whole house was dark and silent. I was just turning away when I heard a shot. I fancied that it came from inside the house, and I ran back, crossed the terrace, and tried the windows. But they were fastened, and there was no sound of any kind from inside the house. I waited a while, but the whole place was still as the grave, so I made up my mind that I had made a mistake, and that what I had heard was a stray poacher—quite a natural conclusion to come to under the circumstances, I think.” “Quite natural,” said Superintendent Battle expressionlessly. “I went on to the inn, put up as I said—and heard the news this morning. I realized, of course, that I was a suspicious character—bound to be under the circumstances, and came up here to tell my story, hoping it wasn’t going to be handcuffs for one.” There was a pause. Colonel Melrose looked sideways at Superintendent Battle. “I think the story seems clear enough,” he remarked. “Yes,” said Battle. “I don’t think we’ll be handing out any handcuffs this morning.” “Any questions, Battle?” “There’s one thing I’d like to know. What was this manuscript?” He looked across at George, and the latter replied with a trace of unwillingness: “The Memoirs of the late Count Stylptitch. You see——” “You needn’t say anything more,” said Battle. “I see perfectly.” He turned to Anthony. “Do you know who it was that was shot, Mr. Cade?” “At the _Jolly Dog_ it was understood to be a Count Stanislaus or some such name.” “Tell him,” said Battle laconically to George Lomax. George was clearly reluctant, but he was forced to speak: “The gentleman who was staying here incognito as Count Stanislaus was His Highness Prince Michael of Herzoslovakia.” Anthony whistled. “That must be deuced awkward,” he remarked. Superintendent Battle, who had been watching Anthony closely, gave a short grunt as though satisfied of something, and rose abruptly to his feet. “There are one or two questions I’d like to ask Mr. Cade,” he announced. “I’ll take him into the Council Chamber with me if I may.” “Certainly, certainly,” said Lord Caterham. “Take him anywhere you like.” Anthony and the detective went out together.