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At three o'clock this afternoon they ca to Inspector Bray When I entered, however,

the inspector was not there--only Colonel Hughes, i out theinto the cheerless

stone court He turned when I entered I suppose I ret crossed his face

"My dear fellow," he cried, "ies! I intended to

have you released last night But, believe htfully

busy"

I said nothing What could I say? The fact that he had been busy struck

me as an extremely silly excuse But the inference that my escape fro

"I fear you can never forgiveyou over as I did

yesterday," he went on "I can only say that it was absolutely

necessary--as you shall shortly understand"

I thawed a bit After all, there was an unmistakable sincerity in his

voice andfor Inspector Bray," continued the colonel "I take it

you wish to see this thing through?"

"To the end," I answered