“EVERYTHING is just as it used to be, sir. When Mr. Galvin went away, he closed the house. I went out to the country house with Miss Betty. We were there when we learned that your uncle had died.
“I came in and opened the place, sir, when I knew that you were coming home. Miss Betty is still in the country. She said she would wait until you arrived.”
“I am going to phone her shortly.”
“She will be glad to hear from you, sir. She has been waiting there several days now.
“I am glad that I came in alone, sir. I wouldn’t have wanted her to see what I found — in this room!”
“What was that?” Bob’s interest was evident.
“A dead man, sir! He was lying right where you are standing — by the desk.”
“A dead man! Then there was something! Who was he?”
“The police have not learned his name, sir,” Hodgson continued. “Perkins, the chauffeur, was with me when I stumbled on the body. The detectives were sure the man was a thief.”
“What killed him? Was he shot?”