“I began to lose patience.
“'Damn it! Are you presuming to question me?'
“He stammered in confusion:
“'No—sir—but—but it has not been opened since—since the-death. If you will be kind enough to wait five minutes I will go and—and see if—'
“I interrupted him angrily:
“'See here, what do you mean by your tricks?
“'You know very well you cannot enter the room, since here is the key!'
“He no longer objected.
“'Then, sir, I will show you the way.'
“'Show me the staircase and leave me. I'll find my way without you.'