“Did you discover anything?” The question shot from McIntyre, and both Ferguson and Kent watched him as they waited for Grimes' reply. The butler took his time.
“No, sir.”
McIntyre threw himself back in his chair and his eyebrows rose in interrogation as he touched his forehead significantly and glanced at Grimes. That the butler caught his meaning was evident from his expression, but he said nothing. The detective was the first to speak.
“Did you hear any one break into the house when you were prowling around, Grimes?” he asked.
“No, sir.”
The detective turned to Colonel McIntyre. “After finding Grimes did you search the house?” he inquired.
“Yes. The patrolman, O'Ryan, and my new footman, Murray, went with me through the entire house, and we found all doors and windows to the front and rear of the house securely locked,” responded McIntyre; “except the window of the reception room on the ground floor. That was closed but unlatched.”
Kent wondered if the grimace which twisted the butler's face was meant for a smile.
“That there window was locked when I went to bed,” Grimes stated with slow distinctness. “And I was the last person in this house to go to my room.”
McIntyre started to speak when Ferguson stopped him.