CHAPTER 26Miss Silver took a journey to town next day. She explained to Miss Falconer that she might be obliged to stay the night, but she would let her know in good time.
Arrived at the terminus, she entered a telephone-box. After some little delay she was connected with the extension for which she had asked. To a familiar voice saying, “Hullo?” she replied, “Miss Silver speaking.”
The voice, which was that of Detective Inspector Frank Abbott, immediately took on a tinge of warm affection.
“My dear ma’am—what can I do for you?”
Miss Silver coughed.
“I have been down in the country, but I have come up for the day. I am speaking from a call box. I wondered if it would be possible for you to see me for half an hour.”
He permitted himself to laugh.
“Someone been getting himself murdere
