A portiere hung there in place of the door, and a more excellent opportunity for hiding and spying could not well have been offered.
Behind this he could find a small opening and thus see without being seen.
When he looked into the room he found there were but two men there.
One of these was Prescott—the other a small man of severe countenance.
The first thought of the detective was that the latter had a clerical look—his clothes seemed on the order of a clergyman, white tie and all.
Then he concluded that he must be mistaken. Surely, a minister would be the last one in all the world whom Prescott would desire to have here.
This must be some friend whom he had asked to greet them at the cottage in order to encourage Lillian.
The men were laughing.
Prescott seemed in unusual spirits.
Perhaps he had been imbibing—when a man in his sober senses commits such a sin against society and his Maker he must, generally, fortify himself with some ardent spirits.