Chapter XVII · Chapter 17

used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one

From this reading He, a comparatively unknown detective from Shanghai was by reason of his relationship to Thornton Lyne, and even more so because his own revolver had been found on the scene of the tragedy, the object of some suspicion on the part of the higher authorities who certainly would not pooh-pooh the suggestion that he was innocent of any association with the crime because he happened to be engaged in the case.

used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together

From this reading He, a comparatively unknown detective from Shanghai was by reason of his relationship to Thornton Lyne, and even more so because his own revolver had been found on the scene of the tragedy, the object of some suspicion on the part of the higher authorities who certainly would not pooh-pooh the suggestion that he was innocent of any association with the crime because he happened to be engaged in the case.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading He, a comparatively unknown detective from Shanghai was by reason of his relationship to Thornton Lyne, and even more so because his own revolver had been found on the scene of the tragedy, the object of some suspicion on the part of the higher authorities who certainly would not pooh-pooh the suggestion that he was innocent of any association with the crime because he happened to be engaged in the case.

a formal organization of people or groups of people

From this reading He, a comparatively unknown detective from Shanghai was by reason of his relationship to Thornton Lyne, and even more so because his own revolver had been found on the scene of the tragedy, the object of some suspicion on the part of the higher authorities who certainly would not pooh-pooh the suggestion that he was innocent of any association with the crime because he happened to be engaged in the case.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading He knew that the whole complex machinery of Scotland Yard was working, and working at top speed, to implicate him in the tragedy.

the organization that is the governing authority of a political unit

From this reading He, a comparatively unknown detective from Shanghai was by reason of his relationship to Thornton Lyne, and even more so because his own revolver had been found on the scene of the tragedy, the object of some suspicion on the part of the higher authorities who certainly would not pooh-pooh the suggestion that he was innocent of any association with the crime because he happened to be engaged in the case.

used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses

From this reading He, a comparatively unknown detective from Shanghai was by reason of his relationship to Thornton Lyne, and even more so because his own revolver had been found on the scene of the tragedy, the object of some suspicion on the part of the higher authorities who certainly would not pooh-pooh the suggestion that he was innocent of any association with the crime because he happened to be engaged in the case.

for the reason that

From this reading He, a comparatively unknown detective from Shanghai was by reason of his relationship to Thornton Lyne, and even more so because his own revolver had been found on the scene of the tragedy, the object of some suspicion on the part of the higher authorities who certainly would not pooh-pooh the suggestion that he was innocent of any association with the crime because he happened to be engaged in the case.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading He, a comparatively unknown detective from Shanghai was by reason of his relationship to Thornton Lyne, and even more so because his own revolver had been found on the scene of the tragedy, the object of some suspicion on the part of the higher authorities who certainly would not pooh-pooh the suggestion that he was innocent of any association with the crime because he happened to be engaged in the case.

a relatively permanent inclination to react in a particular way

From this reading THE FINGER PRINTS Tarling, his hands thrust into his pockets, his chin dropped, his shoulders bent, slowly walked the broad pavement of the Edgware Road on his way from the girl's hotel to his flat.

having great (or a certain) extent from one side to the other

From this reading THE FINGER PRINTS Tarling, his hands thrust into his pockets, his chin dropped, his shoulders bent, slowly walked the broad pavement of the Edgware Road on his way from the girl's hotel to his flat.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading He, a comparatively unknown detective from Shanghai was by reason of his relationship to Thornton Lyne, and even more so because his own revolver had been found on the scene of the tragedy, the object of some suspicion on the part of the higher authorities who certainly would not pooh-pooh the suggestion that he was innocent of any association with the crime because he happened to be engaged in the case.

an occurrence of something

From this reading He, a comparatively unknown detective from Shanghai was by reason of his relationship to Thornton Lyne, and even more so because his own revolver had been found on the scene of the tragedy, the object of some suspicion on the part of the higher authorities who certainly would not pooh-pooh the suggestion that he was innocent of any association with the crime because he happened to be engaged in the case.

definitely or positively (“sure” is sometimes used informally for “surely”)

From this reading He, a comparatively unknown detective from Shanghai was by reason of his relationship to Thornton Lyne, and even more so because his own revolver had been found on the scene of the tragedy, the object of some suspicion on the part of the higher authorities who certainly would not pooh-pooh the suggestion that he was innocent of any association with the crime because he happened to be engaged in the case.

the protruding part of the lower jaw

From this reading THE FINGER PRINTS Tarling, his hands thrust into his pockets, his chin dropped, his shoulders bent, slowly walked the broad pavement of the Edgware Road on his way from the girl's hotel to his flat.

in a relative manner; by comparison to something else

From this reading He, a comparatively unknown detective from Shanghai was by reason of his relationship to Thornton Lyne, and even more so because his own revolver had been found on the scene of the tragedy, the object of some suspicion on the part of the higher authorities who certainly would not pooh-pooh the suggestion that he was innocent of any association with the crime because he happened to be engaged in the case.

a conceptual whole made up of complicated and related parts

From this reading He knew that the whole complex machinery of Scotland Yard was working, and working at top speed, to implicate him in the tragedy.

(criminal law) an act punishable by law; usually considered an evil act

From this reading He, a comparatively unknown detective from Shanghai was by reason of his relationship to Thornton Lyne, and even more so because his own revolver had been found on the scene of the tragedy, the object of some suspicion on the part of the higher authorities who certainly would not pooh-pooh the suggestion that he was innocent of any association with the crime because he happened to be engaged in the case.

a police officer who investigates crimes

From this reading He, a comparatively unknown detective from Shanghai was by reason of his relationship to Thornton Lyne, and even more so because his own revolver had been found on the scene of the tragedy, the object of some suspicion on the part of the higher authorities who certainly would not pooh-pooh the suggestion that he was innocent of any association with the crime because he happened to be engaged in the case.

having lost your job

From this reading He dismissed with good reason the not unimportant fact that he himself was suspect.

inflected form of “drop” — let fall to the ground

From this reading THE FINGER PRINTS Tarling, his hands thrust into his pockets, his chin dropped, his shoulders bent, slowly walked the broad pavement of the Edgware Road on his way from the girl's hotel to his flat.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading THE FINGER PRINTS Tarling, his hands thrust into his pockets, his chin dropped, his shoulders bent, slowly walked the broad pavement of the Edgware Road on his way from the girl's hotel to his flat.

having ones attention or mind or energy engaged

From this reading He, a comparatively unknown detective from Shanghai was by reason of his relationship to Thornton Lyne, and even more so because his own revolver had been found on the scene of the tragedy, the object of some suspicion on the part of the higher authorities who certainly would not pooh-pooh the suggestion that he was innocent of any association with the crime because he happened to be engaged in the case.

divisible by two

From this reading He, a comparatively unknown detective from Shanghai was by reason of his relationship to Thornton Lyne, and even more so because his own revolver had been found on the scene of the tragedy, the object of some suspicion on the part of the higher authorities who certainly would not pooh-pooh the suggestion that he was innocent of any association with the crime because he happened to be engaged in the case.

a piece of information about circumstances that exist or events that have occurred

From this reading He dismissed with good reason the not unimportant fact that he himself was suspect.

feel or handle with the fingers

From this reading THE FINGER PRINTS Tarling, his hands thrust into his pockets, his chin dropped, his shoulders bent, slowly walked the broad pavement of the Edgware Road on his way from the girl's hotel to his flat.

having a surface without slope, tilt in which no part is higher or lower than another

From this reading THE FINGER PRINTS Tarling, his hands thrust into his pockets, his chin dropped, his shoulders bent, slowly walked the broad pavement of the Edgware Road on his way from the girl's hotel to his flat.

set up or found

From this reading He, a comparatively unknown detective from Shanghai was by reason of his relationship to Thornton Lyne, and even more so because his own revolver had been found on the scene of the tragedy, the object of some suspicion on the part of the higher authorities who certainly would not pooh-pooh the suggestion that he was innocent of any association with the crime because he happened to be engaged in the case.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading THE FINGER PRINTS Tarling, his hands thrust into his pockets, his chin dropped, his shoulders bent, slowly walked the broad pavement of the Edgware Road on his way from the girl's hotel to his flat.

possessive form of “girl” — a young female

From this reading THE FINGER PRINTS Tarling, his hands thrust into his pockets, his chin dropped, his shoulders bent, slowly walked the broad pavement of the Edgware Road on his way from the girl's hotel to his flat.

having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified

From this reading He dismissed with good reason the not unimportant fact that he himself was suspect.

the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect

From this reading He, a comparatively unknown detective from Shanghai was by reason of his relationship to Thornton Lyne, and even more so because his own revolver had been found on the scene of the tragedy, the object of some suspicion on the part of the higher authorities who certainly would not pooh-pooh the suggestion that he was innocent of any association with the crime because he happened to be engaged in the case.

(with “in”) guardianship over; in divorce cases it is the right to house and care for and discipline a child

From this reading THE FINGER PRINTS Tarling, his hands thrust into his pockets, his chin dropped, his shoulders bent, slowly walked the broad pavement of the Edgware Road on his way from the girl's hotel to his flat.

past form of “happen” — come to pass

From this reading He, a comparatively unknown detective from Shanghai was by reason of his relationship to Thornton Lyne, and even more so because his own revolver had been found on the scene of the tragedy, the object of some suspicion on the part of the higher authorities who certainly would not pooh-pooh the suggestion that he was innocent of any association with the crime because he happened to be engaged in the case.

a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading He dismissed with good reason the not unimportant fact that he himself was suspect.

advanced in complexity or elaboration

From this reading He, a comparatively unknown detective from Shanghai was by reason of his relationship to Thornton Lyne, and even more so because his own revolver had been found on the scene of the tragedy, the object of some suspicion on the part of the higher authorities who certainly would not pooh-pooh the suggestion that he was innocent of any association with the crime because he happened to be engaged in the case.

the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading He knew that the whole complex machinery of Scotland Yard was working, and working at top speed, to implicate him in the tragedy.

used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object

From this reading He dismissed with good reason the not unimportant fact that he himself was suspect.

belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned

From this reading THE FINGER PRINTS Tarling, his hands thrust into his pockets, his chin dropped, his shoulders bent, slowly walked the broad pavement of the Edgware Road on his way from the girl's hotel to his flat.

a building where travelers can pay for lodging and meals and other services

From this reading THE FINGER PRINTS Tarling, his hands thrust into his pockets, his chin dropped, his shoulders bent, slowly walked the broad pavement of the Edgware Road on his way from the girl's hotel to his flat.

bring into intimate and incriminating connection

From this reading He knew that the whole complex machinery of Scotland Yard was working, and working at top speed, to implicate him in the tragedy.

inside something, or within a place, period, or state

From this reading He, a comparatively unknown detective from Shanghai was by reason of his relationship to Thornton Lyne, and even more so because his own revolver had been found on the scene of the tragedy, the object of some suspicion on the part of the higher authorities who certainly would not pooh-pooh the suggestion that he was innocent of any association with the crime because he happened to be engaged in the case.

free from evil or guilt

From this reading He, a comparatively unknown detective from Shanghai was by reason of his relationship to Thornton Lyne, and even more so because his own revolver had been found on the scene of the tragedy, the object of some suspicion on the part of the higher authorities who certainly would not pooh-pooh the suggestion that he was innocent of any association with the crime because he happened to be engaged in the case.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading THE FINGER PRINTS Tarling, his hands thrust into his pockets, his chin dropped, his shoulders bent, slowly walked the broad pavement of the Edgware Road on his way from the girl's hotel to his flat.

impossible or nearly impossible to see; imperceptible by the eye

From this reading Silent and invisible though that work may be, it would nevertheless be sure.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Silent and invisible though that work may be, it would nevertheless be sure.

inflected form of “know” — be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about

From this reading He knew that the whole complex machinery of Scotland Yard was working, and working at top speed, to implicate him in the tragedy.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading He, a comparatively unknown detective from Shanghai was by reason of his relationship to Thornton Lyne, and even more so because his own revolver had been found on the scene of the tragedy, the object of some suspicion on the part of the higher authorities who certainly would not pooh-pooh the suggestion that he was innocent of any association with the crime because he happened to be engaged in the case.

machines or machine systems collectively

From this reading He knew that the whole complex machinery of Scotland Yard was working, and working at top speed, to implicate him in the tragedy.

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading Silent and invisible though that work may be, it would nevertheless be sure.

(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree

From this reading He, a comparatively unknown detective from Shanghai was by reason of his relationship to Thornton Lyne, and even more so because his own revolver had been found on the scene of the tragedy, the object of some suspicion on the part of the higher authorities who certainly would not pooh-pooh the suggestion that he was innocent of any association with the crime because he happened to be engaged in the case.

in spite of what has just been said

From this reading Silent and invisible though that work may be, it would nevertheless be sure.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading He dismissed with good reason the not unimportant fact that he himself was suspect.

a tangible and visible entity; an entity that can cast a shadow

From this reading He, a comparatively unknown detective from Shanghai was by reason of his relationship to Thornton Lyne, and even more so because his own revolver had been found on the scene of the tragedy, the object of some suspicion on the part of the higher authorities who certainly would not pooh-pooh the suggestion that he was innocent of any association with the crime because he happened to be engaged in the case.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading THE FINGER PRINTS Tarling, his hands thrust into his pockets, his chin dropped, his shoulders bent, slowly walked the broad pavement of the Edgware Road on his way from the girl's hotel to his flat.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading THE FINGER PRINTS Tarling, his hands thrust into his pockets, his chin dropped, his shoulders bent, slowly walked the broad pavement of the Edgware Road on his way from the girl's hotel to his flat.

have ownership or possession of

From this reading He, a comparatively unknown detective from Shanghai was by reason of his relationship to Thornton Lyne, and even more so because his own revolver had been found on the scene of the tragedy, the object of some suspicion on the part of the higher authorities who certainly would not pooh-pooh the suggestion that he was innocent of any association with the crime because he happened to be engaged in the case.

something determined in relation to something that includes it

From this reading He, a comparatively unknown detective from Shanghai was by reason of his relationship to Thornton Lyne, and even more so because his own revolver had been found on the scene of the tragedy, the object of some suspicion on the part of the higher authorities who certainly would not pooh-pooh the suggestion that he was innocent of any association with the crime because he happened to be engaged in the case.

the paved surface of a thoroughfare

From this reading THE FINGER PRINTS Tarling, his hands thrust into his pockets, his chin dropped, his shoulders bent, slowly walked the broad pavement of the Edgware Road on his way from the girl's hotel to his flat.

plural of “pocket” — a small pouch inside a garment for carrying small articles

From this reading THE FINGER PRINTS Tarling, his hands thrust into his pockets, his chin dropped, his shoulders bent, slowly walked the broad pavement of the Edgware Road on his way from the girl's hotel to his flat.

express contempt about

From this reading He, a comparatively unknown detective from Shanghai was by reason of his relationship to Thornton Lyne, and even more so because his own revolver had been found on the scene of the tragedy, the object of some suspicion on the part of the higher authorities who certainly would not pooh-pooh the suggestion that he was innocent of any association with the crime because he happened to be engaged in the case.

plural of “print” — the text appearing in a book, newspaper, or other printed publication

From this reading THE FINGER PRINTS Tarling, his hands thrust into his pockets, his chin dropped, his shoulders bent, slowly walked the broad pavement of the Edgware Road on his way from the girl's hotel to his flat.

a rational motive for a belief or action

From this reading He dismissed with good reason the not unimportant fact that he himself was suspect.

a relation between people; (“relationship” is often used where “relation” would serve, as in `the relationship between inflation and unemployment', but the preferred usage of “relationship” is for human relations or states of relatedness)

From this reading He, a comparatively unknown detective from Shanghai was by reason of his relationship to Thornton Lyne, and even more so because his own revolver had been found on the scene of the tragedy, the object of some suspicion on the part of the higher authorities who certainly would not pooh-pooh the suggestion that he was innocent of any association with the crime because he happened to be engaged in the case.

a pistol with a revolving cylinder (usually having six chambers for bullets)

From this reading He, a comparatively unknown detective from Shanghai was by reason of his relationship to Thornton Lyne, and even more so because his own revolver had been found on the scene of the tragedy, the object of some suspicion on the part of the higher authorities who certainly would not pooh-pooh the suggestion that he was innocent of any association with the crime because he happened to be engaged in the case.

an open way (generally public) for travel or transportation

From this reading THE FINGER PRINTS Tarling, his hands thrust into his pockets, his chin dropped, his shoulders bent, slowly walked the broad pavement of the Edgware Road on his way from the girl's hotel to his flat.

the place where some action occurs

From this reading He, a comparatively unknown detective from Shanghai was by reason of his relationship to Thornton Lyne, and even more so because his own revolver had been found on the scene of the tragedy, the object of some suspicion on the part of the higher authorities who certainly would not pooh-pooh the suggestion that he was innocent of any association with the crime because he happened to be engaged in the case.

one of the four countries that make up the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland; located on the northern part of the island of Great Britain; famous for bagpipes and plaids and kilts

From this reading He knew that the whole complex machinery of Scotland Yard was working, and working at top speed, to implicate him in the tragedy.

the largest city of China; located in the east on the Pacific; one of the largest ports in the world

From this reading He, a comparatively unknown detective from Shanghai was by reason of his relationship to Thornton Lyne, and even more so because his own revolver had been found on the scene of the tragedy, the object of some suspicion on the part of the higher authorities who certainly would not pooh-pooh the suggestion that he was innocent of any association with the crime because he happened to be engaged in the case.

plural of “shoulder” — the part of the body between the neck and the upper arm

From this reading THE FINGER PRINTS Tarling, his hands thrust into his pockets, his chin dropped, his shoulders bent, slowly walked the broad pavement of the Edgware Road on his way from the girl's hotel to his flat.

marked by absence of sound

From this reading Silent and invisible though that work may be, it would nevertheless be sure.

without speed (“slow” is sometimes used informally for “slowly”)

From this reading THE FINGER PRINTS Tarling, his hands thrust into his pockets, his chin dropped, his shoulders bent, slowly walked the broad pavement of the Edgware Road on his way from the girl's hotel to his flat.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading He, a comparatively unknown detective from Shanghai was by reason of his relationship to Thornton Lyne, and even more so because his own revolver had been found on the scene of the tragedy, the object of some suspicion on the part of the higher authorities who certainly would not pooh-pooh the suggestion that he was innocent of any association with the crime because he happened to be engaged in the case.

(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity

From this reading He, a comparatively unknown detective from Shanghai was by reason of his relationship to Thornton Lyne, and even more so because his own revolver had been found on the scene of the tragedy, the object of some suspicion on the part of the higher authorities who certainly would not pooh-pooh the suggestion that he was innocent of any association with the crime because he happened to be engaged in the case.

move hurridly

From this reading He knew that the whole complex machinery of Scotland Yard was working, and working at top speed, to implicate him in the tragedy.

an idea that is suggested

From this reading He, a comparatively unknown detective from Shanghai was by reason of his relationship to Thornton Lyne, and even more so because his own revolver had been found on the scene of the tragedy, the object of some suspicion on the part of the higher authorities who certainly would not pooh-pooh the suggestion that he was innocent of any association with the crime because he happened to be engaged in the case.

having or feeling no doubt or uncertainty; confident and assured

From this reading Silent and invisible though that work may be, it would nevertheless be sure.

imagine to be the case or true or probable

From this reading He dismissed with good reason the not unimportant fact that he himself was suspect.

an impression that something might be the case

From this reading He, a comparatively unknown detective from Shanghai was by reason of his relationship to Thornton Lyne, and even more so because his own revolver had been found on the scene of the tragedy, the object of some suspicion on the part of the higher authorities who certainly would not pooh-pooh the suggestion that he was innocent of any association with the crime because he happened to be engaged in the case.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading THE FINGER PRINTS Tarling, his hands thrust into his pockets, his chin dropped, his shoulders bent, slowly walked the broad pavement of the Edgware Road on his way from the girl's hotel to his flat.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading He dismissed with good reason the not unimportant fact that he himself was suspect.

used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind

From this reading THE FINGER PRINTS Tarling, his hands thrust into his pockets, his chin dropped, his shoulders bent, slowly walked the broad pavement of the Edgware Road on his way from the girl's hotel to his flat.

American architect (1759-1828)

From this reading He, a comparatively unknown detective from Shanghai was by reason of his relationship to Thornton Lyne, and even more so because his own revolver had been found on the scene of the tragedy, the object of some suspicion on the part of the higher authorities who certainly would not pooh-pooh the suggestion that he was innocent of any association with the crime because he happened to be engaged in the case.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading Silent and invisible though that work may be, it would nevertheless be sure.

push forcefully

From this reading THE FINGER PRINTS Tarling, his hands thrust into his pockets, his chin dropped, his shoulders bent, slowly walked the broad pavement of the Edgware Road on his way from the girl's hotel to his flat.

used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive

From this reading THE FINGER PRINTS Tarling, his hands thrust into his pockets, his chin dropped, his shoulders bent, slowly walked the broad pavement of the Edgware Road on his way from the girl's hotel to his flat.

the upper part of anything

From this reading He knew that the whole complex machinery of Scotland Yard was working, and working at top speed, to implicate him in the tragedy.

an event resulting in great loss and misfortune

From this reading He, a comparatively unknown detective from Shanghai was by reason of his relationship to Thornton Lyne, and even more so because his own revolver had been found on the scene of the tragedy, the object of some suspicion on the part of the higher authorities who certainly would not pooh-pooh the suggestion that he was innocent of any association with the crime because he happened to be engaged in the case.

not important

From this reading He dismissed with good reason the not unimportant fact that he himself was suspect.

not known

From this reading He, a comparatively unknown detective from Shanghai was by reason of his relationship to Thornton Lyne, and even more so because his own revolver had been found on the scene of the tragedy, the object of some suspicion on the part of the higher authorities who certainly would not pooh-pooh the suggestion that he was innocent of any association with the crime because he happened to be engaged in the case.

past form of “walk” — use one's feet to advance; advance by steps

From this reading THE FINGER PRINTS Tarling, his hands thrust into his pockets, his chin dropped, his shoulders bent, slowly walked the broad pavement of the Edgware Road on his way from the girl's hotel to his flat.

the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading He dismissed with good reason the not unimportant fact that he himself was suspect.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading THE FINGER PRINTS Tarling, his hands thrust into his pockets, his chin dropped, his shoulders bent, slowly walked the broad pavement of the Edgware Road on his way from the girl's hotel to his flat.

which person or people

From this reading He, a comparatively unknown detective from Shanghai was by reason of his relationship to Thornton Lyne, and even more so because his own revolver had been found on the scene of the tragedy, the object of some suspicion on the part of the higher authorities who certainly would not pooh-pooh the suggestion that he was innocent of any association with the crime because he happened to be engaged in the case.

including all components without exception; being one unit or constituting the full amount or extent or duration; complete

From this reading He knew that the whole complex machinery of Scotland Yard was working, and working at top speed, to implicate him in the tragedy.

in the company of; together with

From this reading He dismissed with good reason the not unimportant fact that he himself was suspect.

exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity

From this reading Silent and invisible though that work may be, it would nevertheless be sure.

actively engaged in paid work

From this reading He knew that the whole complex machinery of Scotland Yard was working, and working at top speed, to implicate him in the tragedy.

used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past

From this reading He, a comparatively unknown detective from Shanghai was by reason of his relationship to Thornton Lyne, and even more so because his own revolver had been found on the scene of the tragedy, the object of some suspicion on the part of the higher authorities who certainly would not pooh-pooh the suggestion that he was innocent of any association with the crime because he happened to be engaged in the case.

a unit of length equal to 3 feet; defined as 91.44 centimeters; originally taken to be the average length of a stride

From this reading He knew that the whole complex machinery of Scotland Yard was working, and working at top speed, to implicate him in the tragedy.