He walked to the door of the room and, opening it, crossed the broad landing. Another room opened from here, and he entered. It was used as a box-room, and should have been locked. For the matter of that, it should have possessed a lock of more service than the twisted piece of metal that lay on the floor. “Wrenched off with a modern pocket-jack,” said Tillizinni approvingly. “A neat piece of work. Don’t touch the lock; we’ll hunt for a finger-print by and by. Window open! Humph!” It was clear which way the thing had come. “We’ve had a narrow escape,” said Tillizinni. “So did he,” said Talham. CHAPTER VII. AN AFTERNOON CALL. Talham was seized with the idea of making an afternoon call, and waited on Tillizinni, to the detective’s embarrassment. “Tillizinni,” he said, “one of the duties which civilisation imposes upon its products, is the obligation under which we all rest, to observe the social amenities.” After which preamble he deigned to explain that he had accepted an invitation for himself and for the detective, to what he termed “a party.” Tillizinni had visions of being called upon to sing, or do parlour tricks, and he hastily excused himself. “You must come,” said Talham gravely. “I did perhaps overstep the conventions when, without consulting you, I accepted this invitation on your behalf. But I think you will enjoy yourself. Mrs. Smith is a lady of singular charm of manner, and has the gift which so few women, and indeed so few men, possess, of appreciating scientific endeavour at its true value.” From which Tillizinni gathered that the lady had been engaged in impressing upon Talham what a fine fellow he was. The detective hesitated. He knew he would be horribly bored, but it must be confessed he was possessed by a curiosity to know exactly how Talham would behave in that nebulous sphere which is called “society.” Mrs. Smith had a little house in Bayswater. It was in one of those long roads which connect Bayswater with Mayfair, and where, at the Mayfair end, the houses grow narrower and narrower, crowding against one another as if in a panic lest they stray into the more unfashionable end of the street. She was a woman who had a passion for parties, and was never quite so happy as when she was making two guests groan where one had groaned before. Since her entertaining area was severely restricted, it is not to be wondered that her little social plot was somewhat overcrowded. Habitués at Mrs. Smith’s “at homes” and functions were sufficiently well acquainted with the lay of the house to tuck themselves into odd corners and alcoves; but both Talham and his apprehensive companion found themselves a little cramped for room in the tiny hall where six men were endeavouring to find pegs for their coats at one and the same time.