'
"'He's at Shorncliffe. We won't rouse him to-night,' I assured her.
'It's funny,' I went on, 'how often the simplest explanation will--'
But I left that sentence unfinished. 'Have you any relatives in
London?' I asked brightly.
"She hesitated, but at length confessed she had a sister resident in
Pimlico.
"'Ah!' said I. 'She married beneath her, perhaps?'
"Mrs. Petunia looked at me suspiciously in the lamplight. 'How did
you guess that?' she asked.
"'Simplicity itself, ma'am,' I answered. 'She could hardly have done
less. And from Eaton Square to Pimlico, what is it but a step? . . .
Or, you may put it down to a brain-wave. Yes, ma'am. And I'm going
to have another."
"I stepped to the door of the taxi, threw it open, and shouted to
Farrell to tumble out.
"'Wha's matter?' he asked sleepily. 'Where are we?'
"'We're on the edge of Putney Heath,' said I.
"'Ri'!' said he in a murmur. 'You're true friend. First turning
to the left and keep straight on. Second gate on Common pasht
pillar-box.'
"I haled him forth. 'Look here,' said I.
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