"Was the door to Room 5 of Mr. Nettleton's suite open or closed; and if not closed, how far was it open?"
The young man lowered his head a moment in an attitude of reflection.
"I should say it stood ajar about three or four inches," was the reply.
"Was there a light in that room?"
"Yes."
"Is there not a desk against the east wall of that room at which Clay Fairchild ordinarily sits, which is visible from the hall when the door is three or four inches ajar?"
"Yes."
"On the evening of November fourth, as you passed Room 5, did you observe this desk?"
"I did not; I could not see into the room."
Both Mr. Converse and Mr. Mountjoy were watching him through lids narrowed to mere slits, with an intentness of which he was plainly sensible.