Chapter 47

“Kindly be serious, Barnett,” said poor Béchoux stiffly. “I’m working on a most complicated case from which I particularly want to emerge triumphant.” “What’s it all about?” “My wife,” said Béchoux, and there was anguish in his tone. Barnett’s eyebrows shot up. “Your wife?” he echoed. “Then you’re married?” “Been divorced six years,” was the laconic answer. “Incompatibility?” “No. My wife found she had a vocation for the stage! The stage—I ask you! Married to an inspector of police and she wanted to go on——” Béchou…