Evening star., 1895-05-11

house was cleaner than that of the other,
though the paint was worn. Hewitt reach-
ed and fingered hook driven into the lett
hand door post about six feet from the
ground. 1t was new and not at all rusted;
also, a tiny splinter had been displaced
when the hook was driven In, and clean
wood showed at the spot.
Having observed these things Hewitt
stepped back and read at the bottom OF the
big board the name "Winsor WeekeS,
Surveyors and Auctioneers, Abchurch
Lane" Then he stepped into Lombard
street.
Two hansoms pulled up near the post
office. and out of the first stepped Inspector
Plummer and another man. This man and
the two who al!ghted from the second
hanson were Enthusiastically pla:n-clothes
constables-their air. gait and boots pro,
claimed it. Whats all this?" demanded
Plummer as Hewitt approached.
You'll soon see, think. But first, have
You put the watch on No. 1917 Hackworth
road?"
Yes; Nobody will get away from there
alone
VERY good I'm going into A5church
lane for few minutes. Leave your men
out here. but just go round into the court
your eye on the first door on the left l
think we'n find something soon. Did you
get rid of Miss Shawl"
NO; she's behind now and Mrs. Laker's
with her. They met in the Strand, and
came after us in another cab Rare fun,
Ell? They think we're pretty green! It's
quite handy. too. So long as they keep be-
hind me it saves all trouble watching
them!' And Inspector Plummer chuckled
and winked.
Very good. You don't mind keeping your
eye on that door, do you? I'll be back very
soon" And with that Hewitt turned off
into Abchurch lane.
".
At Winsor & Weekes information was
rot difficult to obtain. The houses were
destined to come down very shortly. but
week or so ago an office and cellar in
che of them was let temporarily to a Mr..
Westley He brought no references-in-
deed he paid a fortnightS rent in ad-
vance, he was not asked for any, consider
ing the circumstances of the case. He was
about opening a London branch for large
firm of cider merchants. he said. and just
wanted a rough Office and cool cellar to
store samples in for few weeks till the
permanent premises were ready. There
was another key, and no doubt the premises
might be entered, if there were any spe-
cal reason for such a course. Martin
Hewitt gave such excellent reasons that
Winsor & Weekes' managing clerk imme-
diately produced the key and accompanied
Hewitt to the spot.
Il think you'd better have your men
handy" Hewitt remarked to Plummer.
when they reached the door. and whistle
quickly brought the men over.
The key inserted in the lock and
turned, but the door would not open; the
bolt was fastened at the bottom. Hewitt
stopped and looked under the door, Its
d drop bolt" he said. Probably the man
who left last let it fall loose and then
banged the door, 50 that it fell into its
place. l must try my best with wire or
piece of string
A wire was brought. and with some ma
reuvering Hewitt contrived to pass it round
the bolt and lift it. little by little, steadying
it with the blade o6 a pocket knife. When
at length the bolt was raised out of the
hole, the knife blade was slipped under it,
and the door swung open.
They entered. The door of the little Office
near the door stood open. but in the office
there was nothing except board a couple
of feet long, in a corner. Hewitt stepped