“I will,” said Alfred: “please to follow me.”
Baker grinned with anticipated triumph.
Alfred led the way to a bedroom near his own; and asked Mr. Baker to unlock it. Baker had not the key; no more had Cooper. The latter was sent for it; he returned, saying the key was mislaid.
“That I expected,” said Alfred. “Send for the kitchen poker, sir: I'll soon unlock it.”
“Fetch the kitchen poker,” said Vane.
“Good gracious! sir,” said Cooper; “he only wants that to knock all our brains out. You have no idea of his strength and ferocity.”
“Well lied, Cooper,” said Alfred ironically.
“Fetch me the poker,” said Vane.
Cooper went for it, and came back with the key instead.
The door was opened, and they all entered. Alfred looked under the bed. The rest stood round it.