13393 He could give no explanation save that it was about the time when the woman always went home.
13394 The policeman and I agreed that our best plan would be to seize the woman before she could get rid of the papers, presuming that she had them.
13395 'The alarm had reached Scotland Yard by this time, and Mr. Forbes, the detective, came round at once and took up the case with a great deal of energy.
13396 We hired a hansom, and in half an hour we were at the address which had been given to us.
13397 A young woman opened the door, who proved to be Mrs. Tangey's eldest daughter.
13398 Her mother had not come back yet, and we were shown into the front room to wait.
13399 'About ten minutes later a knock came at the door, and here we made the one serious mistake for which I blame myself.
13400 Instead of opening the door ourselves we allowed the girl to do so.
13401 We heard her say, "Mother, there are two men in the house waiting to see you," and an instant afterwards we heard the patter of feet rushing down the passage.
13402 Forbes flung open the door, and we both ran into the back room or kitchen, but the woman had got there before us.
13403 She stared at us with defiant eyes, and then suddenly recognizing me, an expression of absolute astonishment came over her face.
13404 '"Why, if it isn't Mr. Phelps, of the office!" she cried.
13405 '"Come, come, who did you think we were when you ran away from us?" asked my companion.
13406 '"I thought you were the brokers," said she.