It was arranged that Tuppence and Julius should return to the Ritz, and call for Sir James in the car.  This programme was faithfully carried out, and a little after eleven they drew up before the Metropole.  They asked for Dr. Hall, and a page-boy went in search of him.  In a few minutes the little doctor came hurrying towards them.

“Can you spare us a few minutes, Dr. Hall?” said Sir James pleasantly.  “Let me introduce you to Miss Cowley.  Mr. Hersheimmer, I think, you already know.”

A quizzical gleam came into the doctor’s eye as he shook hands with Julius.

“Ah, yes, my young friend of the tree episode!  Ankle all right, eh?”

“I guess it’s cured owing to your skilful treatment, doc.”

“And the heart trouble?  Ha ha!”

“Still searching,” said Julius briefly.

“To come to the point, can we have a word with you in private?” asked Sir James.

“Certainly.  I think there is a room here where we shall be quite undisturbed.”

He led the way, and the others followed him.  They sat down, and the doctor looked inquiringly at Sir James.

“Dr. Hall, I am very anxious to find a certain young lady for the purpose of obtaining a statement from her.  I have reason to believe that she has been at one time or another in your establishment at Bournemouth.  I hope I am transgressing no professional etiquette in questioning you on the subject?”

“I suppose it is a matter of testimony?”

Sir James hesitated a moment, then he replied: 

“Yes.”

“I shall be pleased to give you any information in my power.  What is the young lady’s name?  Mr. Hersheimmer asked me, I remember——­” He half turned to Julius.

“The name,” said Sir James bluntly, “is really immaterial.  She would be almost certainly sent to you under an assumed one.  But I should like to know if you are acquainted with a Mrs. Vandemeyer?”

“Mrs. Vandemeyer, of 20 South Audley Mansions?  I know her slightly.”

“You are not aware of what has happened?”

“What do you mean?”

“You do not know that Mrs. Vandemeyer is dead?”

“Dear, dear, I had no idea of it!  When did it happen?”

“She took an overdose of chloral last night.”

“Purposely?”

“Accidentally, it is believed.  I should not like to say myself.  Anyway, she was found dead this morning.”

“Very sad.  A singularly handsome woman.  I presume she was a friend of yours, since you are acquainted with all these details.”

“I am acquainted with the details because—­well, it was I who found her dead.”

“Indeed,” said the doctor, starting.

“Yes,” said Sir James, and stroked his chin reflectively.

“This is very sad news, but you will excuse me if I say that I do not see how it bears on the subject of your inquiry?”

“It bears on it in this way, is it not a fact that Mrs. Vandemeyer committed a young relative of hers to your charge?”