She paused a minute to take stock of her plans. She knew that the rooms occupied by the Air Minister and his secretary were in the west wing, that was the opposite side of the house from where Bundle was now standing.

A terrace ran along the south and west side of the house, ending abruptly against a walled fruit garden.

Bundle stepped out of her flowerbed and turned the corner of the house to where the terrace began on the south side. She crept very quietly along it, keeping close to the shadow of the house. But, as she reached the second corner, she got a shock, for a man was standing there, with the clear intention of barring her way.

The next instant she had recognised him.

“Superintendent Battle! You did give me a fright!”

“That’s what I’m here for,” said the Superintendent pleasantly.