She shook her head sadly.

“I think, Maria, if you don’t mind leaving us, we have still a lot to discuss.”

“I know, dear, I’m just going.”

Lady Coote withdrew, carrying the empty medicine glass as though it were a goblet out of which she had just administered a death potion.

“Well, Battle,” said George Lomax, “it all seems clear enough. Yes, perfectly clear. The man fires a shot, disabling Mr. Thesiger, throws away the weapon, runs along the terrace and down the gravel path.”

“There he ought to have been caught by my men,” put in Battle.