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Inspector John Burles passed quickly into No. 14 as if the whole thing had been part of his daily routine. As a matter of fact he had made special application for investigation directly the information of the tragedy had reached Scotland-Yard. For once in his life Burles had lost a deal of his neatness. He looked as if he had been up all night, his clothes were dusty and full of seeds, there were large damp patches on the knees of his trousers. He seemed tired and sleepy.
As a matter of fact he had called in at "the Yard" for something at the same time that the tragedy at No. 14, Vernon-terrace, was reported. He had professed himself to be utterly tired and worn out. Then he had pricked up his ears again and dashed into the fray.