Inspector Baddeley was not oblivious to the compliment and smiled his acknowledgment.
Had the Inspector by any chance a photograph of the body when found? He believed he was correct in his idea that the Inspector had ordered Roper to take certain photographs of the room and body on that first morning.
Mr. Bathurst was quite right in his assumption, and Inspector Baddeley would be delighted to show him what he had. He produced half a dozen plates.
Mr. Bathurst examined them carefully. The Inspector offered his help. Was there any point in the disposition of the body upon which he could throw any further light?
Mr. Bathurst thanked him, but replied in the negative. He was not concerned about the position of the body. He was curious about the position of the red ball!
The Inspector stared in amazement. The red ball was not on the table! What on earth did Mr. Bathurst mean?
Mr. Bathurst quite understood that the red ball was not on the table because it was in the pocket as shown by one of the photographs taken from a higher altitude. He pointed it out to the Inspector--lying on top of the other two. By the time they reached Victoria, Inspector Baddeley was more perplexed than ever. "This is where we part, Inspector," said Anthony, as they passed through the barrier. "_Au'voir._"
Anthony made his way to the underground and booked to Cannon Street. Arrived there he made tracks for the Main station.
The next train to Blackheath was at 12.22.
"That will land me there just in time for lunch," he thought to himself, and events proved him to be a sound prophet.
A smart-looking maid took the card he proffered her, and in a few seconds he found himself in what was evidently the drawing-room.
Mrs. Prescott followed him in. "I got your wire, Mr. Bathurst, and of course, I am very pleased to see you. I can hardly realize yet all that has happened. I'm trying to bear up--but frankly, I have little left in the world now to capture either my interest or my imagination. Now, what is it you wanted to see me about?"
Anthony was all sympathy. "I want to talk to you about your boy."
"You asked me a good many questions at Considine Manor, Mr. Bathurst. You wish to ask me some more?"
"If you would be kind enough to answer them."