Sergeant Ruddock was gazing uncertainly at the great man from London, as one who had, albeit with diffidence, an idea.
"Well?" said Wilkins encouragingly.
"I know nothing of the second murder," said Ruddock respectfully. "I only heard of it just now when I left Harris at the station. But if I might make a suggestion, sir..."
He glanced uneasily at Wilkins.
Wilkins nodded.
"Certainly," he said. "You know the local conditions. What do you suggest?"
"I am pretty well acquainted," continued Ruddock, "with most of the people here, and I might perhaps be permitted to make a few inquiries myself, especially among those who live near the scene of the crime. Someone may have seen or heard something which may give us a clue."
Wilkins smiled.
"In cases of this kind." he repeated, "there are i
