“What’s up, Lady Stanworth?” Roger asked bluntly, as soon as they were alone.
Lady Stanworth bit her lip and hesitated, as if making up her mind. “Nothing, I hope,” she said, after a little pause. “But nobody has seen my brother-in-law this morning and his bed has not been slept in, while the library door and windows are locked on the inside. Major Jefferson sent for me and we have talked it over and decided to break the door down. He suggested that it would be as well if you and Mr. Grierson were present also, in case—in case a witness outside the household should be required. Will you come with me?”
She led the way in the direction of the library, and the other two followed.
“You’ve called to him, I suppose?” Alec remarked.
“Yes. Major Jefferson and Graves have both called to him, here and outside the library windows.”
“He’s probably fainted or something in the library,” said Roger reassuringly, with a good deal more conviction than he felt. “Or it may be a stroke. Is his heart at all weak?”
“Not that I’ve ever heard, Mr. Sheringham.”
By the library door Major Jefferson and the butler were waiting; the former impassive as ever, the latter clearly ill at ease.
“Ah, here you are,” said the Major. “Sorry to bother you like this, but you understand. Now, Grierson, you and Graves and myself are the biggest; if we put our shoulders to the door together I think we can force it open. It’s pretty strong, though. You by the handle, Graves; and you next, Grierson. That’s right. Now, then, one—two—three—heave!”
At the third attempt there was the sound of tearing woodwork, and the heavy door swung on its hinges. Major Jefferson stepped quickly over the threshold. The others hung back. In a moment he was back again, his sallow face the merest trifle paler.