“Ye‑es. I didn’t mean that. Tommy, did you see that man in the two seater?”
“Unpleasant looking brute, yes.”
“That was Doctor Horriston.”
Tommy whistled.
“Shifty looking beggar. What do you say about it, Tuppence? Shall we go and have a look at the Grange?”
They found the place at last, a big rambling house, surrounded by deserted grounds, with a swift mill stream running behind the house.
“Dismal sort of abode,” said Tommy. “It gives me the creeps, Tuppence. You know, I’ve a feeling this is going to turn out a far more serious matter than we thought at first.”
“Oh! don’t. If only we are in time. That woman’s in some awful danger, I feel it in my bones.”
“Don’t let your imagination run away with you.”
“I can’t help it. I mistrust that man. What shall we do? I think it would be a good plan if I went and rang the bell alone first, and asked boldly for Mrs. Leigh Gordon just to see what answer I get. Because, after all, it may be perfectly fair and above board.”
Tuppence carried out her plan. The door was opened almost immediately by a man servant with an impassive face.
“I want to see Mrs. Leigh Gordon if she is well enough to see me.”
She fancied that there was a momentary flicker of the man’s eyelashes, but he answered readily enough.