"None of that, Tweddle," said the Inspector, rather uneasily. "We officers are bound to follow up any clue, no matter where it comes from. I was informed that that Venus is concealed somewhere about these premises. It may be, or it may not be; but it's my duty to make the proper investigations. If you were a prince of the blood, it would be all the same." "Well, all I can say is, that I'm as innocent as my own toilet preparations. Ask yourself if it is likely. What could _I_ do with a stolen statue--not to mention that I'm a respectable tradesman, with a reputation to maintain? Excuse me, but I'm afraid those burglars have been 'aving a lark with you, sir." He went just a little too far here, for the detective was visibly irritated. "Don't chatter to me," he said. "If you're innocent, so much the better for you; if that statue is found here after this, it will ruin you. If you know anything, be it ever so little, about it, the best thing you can do is to speak out while there's time." "I can only say, once more, I'm as innocent as the drivelling snow," repeated Leander. "Why can't you believe my word against those blackguards?" "Perhaps I do," said the other; "but I must make a formal look round, to ease my conscience." Leander's composure nearly failed him. "By all means," he said at length. "Come and ease your conscience all over the house, sir, do; I can show you over." "Softly," said the detective. "I'll begin here, and work gradually up, and then down again." "Here?" said Leander, aghast. "Why, you've seen all there is there!" "Now, Tweddle, I shall conduct this my own way, if _you_ please. I've been following your eyes, Tweddle, and they've told me tales. I'll trouble you to open that cupboard you keep looking at so." "This cupboard?" cried Leander. "Why, you don't suppose I've got the Venus in there, sir!" "If it's anywhere, it's there! There's no taking me in, I tell you. Open it!" "Oh!" said Leander, "it is hard to be the object of these cruel suspicions. Mr. Inspector, listen to me. I can't open that cupboard, and I'll tell you why.... You--you've been young yourself.... Think how you'd feel in my situation ... and consider _her_! As a gentleman, you won't press it, I'm sure!" "If I'm making any mistake, I shall know how to apologise," said the Inspector. "If you don't open that cupboard, _I_ shall." "Never!" exclaimed Leander. "I'll die first!" and he threw himself upon the handle. The other caught him by the shoulders, and sent him twirling into the opposite corner; and then, taking a key from his own pocket, he opened the door himself. "I--I never encouraged her!" whimpered Leander, as he saw that all was lost. The officer had stepped back in silence from the cupboard; then he faced Leander, with a changed expression. "I suppose you think yourself devilish sharp?" he said savagely; and Leander discovered that the cupboard was as bare as Mother Hubbard's!