“That I don’t know—nor is it my business to find out.”
“Maybe you think a flyin’ machine came at the window, ma’am! For nothin’ else could negotiate a ten-story apartment.”
“Don’t talk nonsense! But I have heard of keys that unlock doors from the outside—skeleton keys, I think they are called.”
“Yes, ma’am, there are such, sure! But they’re keys—and they unlock doors. These doors of yours have strong brass catches that work only on the inside, snap-bolts, they are. And when they’re fastened, nothing from the other side of the door could undo ‘em. But, I say—here you, Ferdinand!”
The butler came forward, his face surprised rather than alarmed, and stood at attention.
“What do you know of events here last night?” Shane asked him.
“Nothing, sir,” and Ferdinand’s face was blankly respectful.
“You’d better tell all you know, or you’ll get into trouble.”
“Could you—could you make your question a little more definite?”
“I will. When Mr. and Mrs. Embury came home last night, were they in good humor?”