‘It may be,’ Parkes admitted. ‘We may as well go in anyway.’
They returned to the butler’s room, and resumed their interrupted discussion.
Twelve struck, then half-past, then one.
Innes yawned.
‘I wouldn’t mind how soon I went to bed, Mr Parkes. What do you feel like?’
‘I don’t feel sleepy,’ the other returned, and then, after a pause: ‘I don’t mind confessing I am not quite easy about Sir William. I would be glad he had returned.’
‘You’re afraid—of what you were saying?’
‘I am. I don’t deny it. I feel apprehensive.’
‘Supposing we were to get a couple of lanterns and have a walk round outside?’
The butler considered this suggestion.