To the left it encircled the tennis lawn and
led to the Manor or back to the road. The path to the right led to the
little lookout upon which the two men were standing. The footsteps for
a moment hesitated. Then the light flashed out and approached. Whoever
the intruder might be, he was making his way directly towards them.
Tallente shrugged his shoulders.
"We must see this through, Robert," he said. "We were in a tighter
corner at Ypres, remember. Keep as quiet as you can. Now, then."
Tallente flashed on his own torch.
"Who's there?" he asked sternly.
There was no answer. The torch for a moment remained stationary, then
it began again to advance.
"What are you doing in my grounds?" Tallente demanded. "Who are you?"
A shape loomed into distinctness. A bulky man in dark clothes came into
sight.
"I am Gillian--Inspector Gillian. What are you doing out here, Mr.
Tallente?"
Tallente laughed a little scornfully.
"It seems to me that the boot is on the other leg," he said. "I should
like to know what the mischief you mean by wandering around my grounds
at this hour of the night without my permission?"
The inspector completed his climb and stood in the little circle of
light.
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