"Give it to me."
Taking the weapon he tiptoed to the door, listened awhile, then opened it sharply. But there was no one there.
"Bring the lamp," he whispered.
Dermot complied, and together they searched the ante-rooms and passages. They were empty. Then they looked into the small room in which the zinc bath-tub stood. There was no one there.
The Deputy Superintendent closed the door again, and, as it had neither lock nor bolt, placed a heavy chair against it. Taking the lamp in his hand he bent down and carefully examined the dusty floor under and around the bed. Then he put down the lamp and drew Dermot into the centre of the room.
"Has your servant any reason to dislike you?" he asked in a low voice.
Dermot answered him in the same tone:
"I have not brought one with me."
The D.S.P. whistled faintly, then looked apprehensively round the room and whispered:
"Have you any enemies in the Palace or in Lalpuri?"