Staff interposed hastily, in the interests of peace: “The supposition is, then, that the thief got in during those five minutes that Jane was away from the room?”
“It couldn’t have happened at any other time, of course,” said Alison.
“And, equally of course, it couldn’t have happened then,” said Iff.
“Why not?” the woman demanded.
“The girl was gone only five minutes. That’s right, isn’t it?”
“Yes, sir,” said Jane.
“And the door was locked—you’re positive about that?”
“Quite, sir.”
“Then will anyone explain how any thief could effect an entrance, pull a heavy steamer trunk out from under a bed, get at the bag, cut a slit in its side, extract the leather case—and the collar, to be sure—replace the bag, replace the trunk, leave the stateroom and lock the door, all in five short minutes—and without any key?” Iff wound up triumphantly: “I tell you, it couldn’t be done; it ain’t human.”
“But a skeleton-key—” Manvers began.