“I saw the patrol wagon. I came in and joined Willis and Oscar. There wasn’t a clew to the chap who escaped.
“I suppose that he ran away before he had an opportunity to steal anything.”
“The door of your room was open, sir,” said Willis, earnestly. “Under the circumstances, I took the liberty to enter. Oscar watched me from the door. The burglar had done nothing to the safe or the closet. Your desk appeared to be undisturbed.
“I believe that Mister Paget is right. Nevertheless, when we discussed the matter, we considered it advisable to telegraph you immediately.”
“That’s explained, Willis,” said Marchand, tersely. “Tell me this: how did the burglar enter my room? Did he destroy the lock?”
“No, sir. He must have opened it with a special type of key. After I inspected the room, I closed the door. The spring lock closed automatically.
“No one has entered the room since.”
THE doorbell rang. Oscar left the room. He returned to announce a visitor.
“Doctor George Lukens, sir,” said the serving man, in a hollow voice. These were the first words he had uttered since his master’s return.
“Usher him in,” ordered the old man.