The Washington times., 1921-09-04
lie DOOR OF TIE UNREAL-11eersA Bis

n was q beastIy raw morning;
and cold, uncompromising drizzle
had set in, which turned into heavy
persistent rain as the morning went
on. removing any possible traces
which might have been left to aid
the police. g.- -.
We were soon on the spot and
found It fairly alive with police
summoned from all parts. includ-
ing detectives from Scotland Yard,
who had arrived by car.
There was also already quite a
gathering of local sightseers stand
ing open-mouthed, and several re.
porters had got wind of things and
turned up by car or bicycle; but
the police had formed a Gordon
round the immediate vicinity to
keep everyone back. However,
recognizing me, they let the car
pass; and I approached a little
r group standing round Chief Inspec-
tor Mutton. " O..
He saluted me and told me every
thing in a few words. adding in a
low voice. for my private benefit,
TITS an exact repetition of the
Bolsuver business. except for the
burning of the car, sir. and looks
equally hopeless"
Then he introduced me to Fitz-
roy Manders, whom knew by
name as a rising barrister who had
been up at Balliol two or three
years before my time; and he in
turn introduced me TO Verjoyce and
Wellingham. who between them
told me their story first-hand and
gave me details of the fruitless
searching which had already taken
place. Then we strolled across to
the car, which was nothing but a
charred and twisted heap of scrap
iron.
This rain puts the lid on It,"
said Manders. with a slight shiver;
and I noticed that he and the two
younger men looked white and
starved with cold.
You had better come up to my
place with me anil get a hot bath
and some breakfast: If Mutton
doesn't think we can do any good"
said. learning that Greville had
gone to Handcross an hour before
to drive the women-foIk back to
London.
They readily assented and / sent
them IN ahead in the Daimler with
Wilson and a message 70 Ann,
while returned to Mutton. who
was arranging for a fresh search
with the c. I. d. man from Scotland
Yard.
placed Hedges and Reece, the
underkeeper. at their disposal. and
threw myself into it heart and soul,
but at the end of an hour and q
half we forgaJhered again with
nothing to report.
It was raining hard by then: so
left them for a while and drove
myself back in the two-seater to
the house, where I found the three
others bathed and breakfasred and
looking little the worse for their
night out, though the two young
sters had curious strained look
on their faces.
Ann was busy entertaining them
and had heard the whole weird
story in every detail; and It spoke
well for her nerve that she had not
turned hair.
What news'" they all asked at
once.
shook, my head
None" answered. 1T looks
pretty hopeless, especially with the
rain setting in heavily for the day.
Well 60 back aftet have changed
and breakfasted."
went up to my dressing.room.
leaving them to smoke, and got of
my wet clothes. bsthed and shaved
and was soon down again, eating a
hearty breakfast with a real coun.
try appetite which no sensations
could put off .-+
Soon after eleven we drove, back
to the spot again and spent a fruit
less morning in. the soaking rain.
A large crowd had collected and
was kept back with the utmost DIFF.
ficulty by the reinforced police:
and there seemed to be importunate
reporters at every turn--but no
news,