"Caretaker's kit," the policeman muttered. "Nothing seems to
have been used for some time."
They descended the stairs again.
"You say you saw the two men enter this house, sir?" the
policeman remarked doubtfully.
"I did," Tavernake declared. "There is no doubt about it."
"The back entrances are all properly locked," the policeman
pointed out. "None of the windows by which any one could escape
have been opened. We've been into every room. There's no one in
the house now, sir, is there?"
"There doesn't seem to be," Tavernake admitted.
The policeman looked him over once more; Tavernake certainly had
not the appearance of one attempting a hoax.
"I am afraid there is nothing more we can do, sir,"
the man said civilly. "You had better give me your name and
address."
"Can't we go over the place once more?" Tavernake suggested. "I
tell you I saw them come in."
"I have my beat outside to look after, sir," the constable
answered. "If it wasn't that you seem respectable, I should
begin to think that you wanted me out of the way for a bit. Name
and address, please."
Tavernake gave them readily. They passed out together into the
street.
"I shall report this matter," the man said, closing his book.
"Perhaps the sergeant will have the house searched again. If you
take my advice, sir," he added, "you'll go home."
"I saw them both pass through that door," Tavernake repeated,
half to himself, still standing upon the pavement and staring at
the unlit windows.
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