Shopland, and I think I can oppose it with
success. But I invite you two, Miss Hyslop and Mr. Ledsam, to my
party on Thursday night. Once under my roof you shall have carte
blanche. You can wander where you please, knock the walls for
secret hiding-places, stamp upon the floor for oubliettes.
Upstairs or down, the cellars and the lofts, the grounds and the
park, the whole of my domain is for you from midnight on Thursday
until four o'clock. What do you say, Mr. Shopland? Does my
offer satisfy you?"
The detective hesitated.
"I should prefer an invitation for myself," he declared bluntly.
Sir Timothy shook his head.
"Alas, my dear Mr. Shopland," he regretted, "that is impossible!
If I had only myself to consider I would not hesitate.
Personally I like you. You amuse me more than any one I have met
for a long time. But unfortunately I have my guests to consider!
You must be satisfied with Mr. Ledsam's report."
Shopland stroked his stubbly moustache. It was obvious that he
was not in the least disconcerted.
"There are three days between now and then," he reflected.
"During those three days, of course," Sir Timothy said drily, "I
shall do my best to obliterate all traces of my various crimes.
Still, you are a clever detective, and you can give Mr. Ledsam a
few hints.
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