Perhaps the Sepoy might begin a little earlier than usual. He could, at least, suggest such a courtesy by his precipitation; it was far better than this unendurable wait.
With this anticipation he decided to proceed to the apartment of this singular narrator.
After taking his usual precautions, which seemed more or less of a mockery in view of the succession of disasters which had overtaken him, and again establishing the spinster in a position where she could maintain an unobstructed view of the entrance to his room, Raikes proceeded hurriedly along the various passageways, which finally concluded in his point of destination.
He rapped gently upon the door, which he discovered to be slightly ajar.
There was no response.
His second attempt to attract attention was pronounced enough to urge the door aside and enable him to make a comprehensive survey of the interior.
It was unoccupied; and of his last assault upon the panel the only recognition was a sullen echo in the hallway.
About to retire, his glance fell upon the table in the center of the room.
At once a sudden trembling seized him.
A burning fever surged through his veins; an irresistible impulse overwhelmed; for there, in inconceivable negligence, lay the shagreen case which he had so reluctantly returned to its owner only the night before.