Laura explained. "The firm is an old one," she said; "there are two partners, my brother and Walter Fane. When my father died, the firm was Mason, Son, and Mason, and as it is an old-established one, my brother did not change the name when Mr. Fane became a partner." "When did Mr. Fane become a partner?" "Three years ago, when he married my sister Julia!" "Did Mr. Fane bring any money into the business?" asked Derrick; then seeing Laura's look of surprise, he continued apologetically, "Excuse me, Miss Mason, but I must know everything." "I believe Mr. Fane brought very little money into the business. It was my sister Julia who had the money, and she paid sufficient to my brother to buy Walter a share. But I have no right to tell you these things," said Laura, flushing. "If you wish to know anything further you must ask Mr. Fane himself." "I intend to. Will you give me his address?" "Ocean View, Wandle Road, Westcliff-on-Sea." Derrick noted this in his book. "I'll send a wire to him," he said, "as the inquest takes place to-morrow and we must have him present. By the way, do you know a young man with a pointed beard and slim figure? Is he a visitor at this house?" "Not that I know of," said Miss Mason promptly. "I know no one of that type--with a pointed beard, I mean." "Yet such a young man came out of the house, and held the policeman in talk while his accomplice murdered this woman." "Were there two men, then?" "We think so," answered Derrick cautiously. "I presume, Miss Mason," he added, "you have been to this house since Mrs. Fane left it?" "Certainly not." "But living so near--Meadow Lane is but a stone-throw away." "Quite so. All the same I had no reason to return here." "You live in this house?" "With my sister. Yes." "Then your things are here?" Laura looked hard at Derrick, trying to fathom his meaning. "I took all needful things with me, as though I were going on a long journey, Mr. Inspector. For nearly two weeks I have lived with Mrs. Baldwin, and have not been in Achilles Avenue." "Have you not passed the house?" "I said that I had not been in Achilles Avenue," replied Laura. "Then you know nothing," said Derrick, obviously disappointed with the result of his examination. "Absolutely nothing." The inspector nursed his chin, and thought with his eyes on the ground. There was nothing else he could ask. Mr. Fane was the owner of Ajax Villa, and as this unknown woman had been murdered therein, Mr. Fane alone would be able to say how she had come by her death. In his past life might be found the reason that the poor creature should be so slain. "What did Mr. Fane do before he joined the firm?" "Nothing," replied Laura, rousing herself from her own thoughts; "he is possessed of independent means and travelled a great deal. I suppose he grew weary of so aimless a life. However, my sister persuaded him to become a partner, which he did, after he married her."