"But why in his coat?"
"I thought that Mrs. Jersey might not admit me."
George pounced upon him at once. "There was no need that she should do so. You took the latch-key my grandfather carried."
"Oh, you know that, do you?" said Bawdsey, composedly. "Then I may as well be absolutely frank."
"It is your best course."
"Oh, I'm not on my trial, Mr. Brendon. It is only my friendship for you that is making me speak out."
"I accept that excuse. Go on."
Bawdsey shrugged his shoulders to show his annoyance at the uncompromising attitude of his visitor. "I feared lest Mrs. Jersey should order me out of the house unless I could gain time by being mistaken for Lord Derrington. I drugged the old gentleman, and then, taking his coat and the latch-key, I went to see Mrs. Jersey."
"At what time were you there?"
"Some time before twelve. I cannot say for certain. Well, Mr. Brendon, I let myself in with the latch-key, and I found the house by the red light over the door. In former years it had been my custom to guide myself in that way. I told Lola so."