“It has been my custom, Mr. Garside, sir, to be sure they are locked before going to bed. I do not mind waiting up, sir.”
“I met a friend and remained longer than I intended,” said Margate, smiling.
“I do not mind, sir,” repeated the butler.
“That’s very good of you. Has Mr. Clayton retired?”
“He has, Mr. Garside, sir.”
“How long did the detective remain here, Peterson?”
“About half an hour, sir, as I remember.”
“Did he bring any good news?”
“I cannot say, sir.”
“I thought that Mr. Clayton might, perhaps, have mentioned something to you,” Margate observed, in an explanatory way.