Vernon, the old butler, was virtually on the retired list. He was a dignified, gray-haired man. He was active, yet he turned most of his duties over to Parker, who was always busy.
Vernon came in the room while Vincent was thinking of him. He arranged some of the furniture in the room; then went upstairs. Harry began to ponder over Blair Windsor’s situation.
Here was Windsor, a most likable chap, with three servants — two dull fellows, and one old man. His guests were business men who had come for a few restful weeks of vacation. Unsuspecting, they harbored a dangerous person who must have some scheme under way.
It was Harry’s duty to watch the enemy; yet he must do it artfully, or he would appear to be behaving strangely for a guest.
Philip Harper decided to turn in. It was now ten o’clock. They had all played cards late on the previous night. Every one seemed tired.
Windsor and Buckman finished their game of chess. They decided to spend a few minutes on the large veranda. Harry went with them. Crull remained in the living room, still reading the paper. He said that he would probably be upstairs when they returned.
They saw no sign of Perry Quinn when they reached the porch. Blair Windsor remarked on the fact. Garret Buckman presumed that Quinn had gone for a short walk.
The thought troubled Harry Vincent. He found an excuse for returning to the living room, and left the others.
He entered the house through a side door that was seldom used. He stepped into a darkened hall, and closed the door behind him. Then he stopped short.
Some one was crossing the hall ahead of him — some one who was moving stealthily.