The inspector had crossed the room and was testing the fastenings of the French windows. “You said all these were fastened when you got in as well as the door, sir?” he remarked to Jefferson.
“Yes. But Mr. Sheringham can answer for that better than I. He opened them.”
The inspector flashed a quick glance at Roger. “And they were all securely fastened?”
“Absolutely,” said Roger with conviction. “I remember commenting on it at the time.”
“Why did you open them, sir?”
“To let some air into the place. It smelt of death, if you know what I mean.”
The inspector nodded as if the explanation satisfied him, and at the same moment the front door bell rang.
“I expect that’s the doctor,” Jefferson remarked, moving towards the door. “I’ll go and see.”
“That man’s badly on the jump,” Roger commented to himself. Aloud he took the opportunity of remarking, “I dare say you’ll find some private papers in that safe which may throw some light on the business.” Roger badly wanted to know what was inside that safe. And what wasn’t!
“Safe, sir?” said the inspector sharply. “What safe?”