"When did you last see Mr. Hugh Mainwaring?"
"Shortly after dinner last evening, between seven and eight o'clock, I should say, sir."
"Where was that?"
"In the main hall down-stairs, sir. He stopped me to say that he would not need me last evening, and that after locking up his rooms for the night I could have my time to myself."
"Was the locking of his rooms usually included among your duties at night?"
"Yes, sir; his private rooms and the hall on the south side."
"Did you have any stated time for doing this?"
"At nine o'clock, sir."
"You locked the rooms as usual last night?"
"Yes, sir; that is, I locked them all right, but it was later than usual."