While he was thus engaged, he heard a slight sound nearby and looked up suddenly to see Doctor Gerald Savette. The physician had just entered the room from the hallway and was bowing courteously.
"I trust I am not intruding?" The physician's tone was smooth and easy. "I found that I could return immediately after I reached my office. I had hopes that your guests would still be here."
"How did you get in?" questioned Murdock, testily.
"Through the front door," replied Doctor Savette suavely. "I rang the bell and there was no response. Then I remembered that your man had gone for the night. I also recalled that you and the others had been in the laboratory when I left. So I took the liberty of opening the door and coming upstairs."
"But the door was locked," declared Murdock. "I haven't any objection to your entering, Doctor Savette. You are always welcome here. But I cannot understand how you came in through a locked door."
"I found it unlocked," returned the physician, with a smile. "Otherwise I could not have entered."
"I must have forgotten to lock it," observed Clark Murdock, thoughtfully. "Strange — I felt sure that I had pushed the bolts on the door. An oversight on my part, doctor, but a fortunate one. I am glad that you are here."
"I am pleased to hear that," said Savette. "I should like to talk with you further in reference to your experiments—"
"There is something more important for the moment, doctor. Something that demands immediate attention."
"Something more important than your experiments?" Doctor Savette's tone showed his puzzlement. "I can scarcely believe that, Mr. Murdock."