Then he lighted a cigarette and by degrees
strolled across the room to where the two were again talking
vigorously. "I tell you if Basil is pressed too hard he
will--" Clancy was saying, but shut his mouth as he saw
Jennings at his elbow. The detective came forward with a smile,
inwardly vexed that he had not been able to hear more. As he
advanced he saw Clancy touch Hale on the arm.
"How are you?" said Jennings, taking the initiative, "we met
at that inquest, I believe."
"Yes," said Hale, polite and smiling, "I remember, Mr.
Jennings! I had seen you here before, but I never knew your
calling."
"I don't tell it to everyone," said Jennings, "How do you do,
Mr. Clancy? I hope you are well. An amusing place this."
"I need amusement," said Clancy, again assuming his silly
smile, "since the death of my dear friend. By the way, have
you found out who killed her, Mr. Jennings?"
"No. I fear the assassin will never be discovered." Here the
two men exchanged a glance. "I am engaged on other cases.
There was only one point I wished to learn in connection with
Miss Loach's death."
"What is that?" asked Hale calmly.
"Was Mrs. Herne in Miss Loach's bedroom on that night?"
"I forget," said Clancy before Hale could speak.
"That's a pity," resumed Jennings. "You see from the fact of
the bell having been sounded, it struck me that the assassin
may have been concealed in the bedroom. Now if Mrs. Herne was
in that room, she might have noticed something.
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