“When something like this begins to worry you, a change is the only cure. I think it was your imagination, Betty — thinking you saw a man in the study.”
As Bob uttered the last words, Hodgson entered the dining room. The old servant stood stock-still. He did not move a muscle.
“I’ll call Alice now,” declared Betty.
AS soon as the girl had left the dining room, Hodgson approached the table. He leaned close to Bob Galvin and whispered.
“Have you told her?” he questioned. “Told her about that man — that man in the study—”
“What man?” snapped Bob. The old servant seemed rebuffed by his new master’s tone.
“About the man I found there,” explained Hodgson, “the man I told you about — the dead man!”
“No,” said Bob, in an unpleasant voice. “Listen, Hodgson. I don’t want you bothering me this way. Understand? When I want to tell you any thing, I’ll tell it without your asking. Remember that!”
He picked up the newspaper. Hodgson stood trembling, hurt by the words which Bob had spoken. He turned and tottered from the room, his head bowed in dejection. He encountered Betty in the hall.
“What is the matter, Miss Betty?” he inquired. “Has something happened?”