"I came down to the gallery because I heard a noise," interrupted Walker furiously. "I told the police the story I told you. I did my best to catch the thieves, and now you have the audacity to accuse me."
"I don't exactly accuse you----"
"It looks very like it."
"You must admit that your conduct is suspicious," protested the stockbroker.
"I admit nothing of the sort."
"People don't wander about a house after everyone is in bed, without a reason," snapped Tait, with a searching glance.
George bore the scrutiny without flinching. "I have explained how I came to be wandering about," he declared proudly. "I was sitting by my fire, and on hearing a suspicious noise I came down, with what result you know. How dare you accuse me?"
"I tell you again that I don't accuse you," vociferated Tait crossly. "But you have acted foolishly to say the least of it."
"How else could I have acted?"
"On hearing the noise you should have aroused me."