The answer being by all means, Bob Gliddery received his instructions from Mr. Inspector, and departed in a becoming state of alacrity engendered by reverence for the majesty of the law.

“It’s a certain fact,” said Mr. Inspector, “that this man we have received our information from,” indicating Riderhood with his thumb over his shoulder, “has for some time past given the other man a bad name arising out of your lime barges, and that the other man has been avoided in consequence. I don’t say what it means or proves, but it’s a certain fact. I had it first from one of the opposite sex of my acquaintance,” vaguely indicating Miss Abbey with his thumb over his shoulder, “down away at a distance, over yonder.”

Then probably Mr. Inspector was not quite unprepared for their visit that evening? Lightwood hinted.