“That’s good,� remarked Nick, as they walked along the thickly carpeted corridor. “I can see that the incident concerning Mrs. van D. has not become common property. Is this the door?�
Savage nodded and opened a door with his master key, ushered them into a sitting room, and closed the door behind them.
Nick Carter walked on to the bedroom, and after a cursory glance at the bed, went to the window.
Drawing from his pocket a powerful magnifying glass, he proceeded to examine every inch of the window sill, working in a series of imaginary squares.
The two partners watched him curiously, but he took no notice of them. When he had finished his minute inspection of the sill and frame, he threw up the window and leaned out.
“You have made careful examination of the rocks under this window, I presume?� he asked.
“Yes. We have gone over them thoroughly,� replied Savage. “There is nothing there.�
“Ah! Whose rooms are those that overlook the water on this same floor? I see there is no shore or rocks at all there. The house seems to have been built straight out of the sea.�
James Mallory walked to the window and looked out. He shook his head.[Pg 9]
“Come over here, Savage,� he said. “I don’t know what rooms they are. You know, don’t you?�