“I thought you said six men, just now, Inspector,” I ventured.
“I did,” he replied. “The sixth will be in the billiard room, of course.”
“You forget, Bill,” chuckled Anthony, “Inspector Baddeley is ‘marshalling’ his forces.”
Baddeley burst into hearty laughter. “Very good, Mr. Bathurst, very good.” He waved his hand to us. “Till eleven-thirty then.”
“Will the ‘Spider’ come, Anthony?” I asked.
He thought for a moment before replying—“I think he will. Curiosity is a tremendous impetus. I think he will. And of course, he’s got to think of his own neck so he must be kept well posted. He’ll think his wife has important news for him.”
“Good,” I cried. “Welcome to the ‘Spider’!”
“Yes,” said Anthony. “Somewhere about one-thirty, I imagine. And we’ll welcome him with this.” He fingered his automatic. “If necessary.”
CHAPTER XI
WHAT WAS FOUND ON THE “SPIDER”
Punctually at eleven-thirty, Baddeley and Roper arrived at the Manor. They joined us in the library. Sir Charles was worried and fidgety. “The ladies have gone to bed,” he volunteered the information. “Let’s hope they all sleep well. I’m going to stay in here.”