Thomas, who had been on the watch for them, opened the door as they approached, admitting them at once; then he took their hats, and in silence led the way up the wide stairway to the second floor, and so into the sitting room of the suite that was devoted to the service of the last of the Lynnes.
“I thought it best to bring you directly to these rooms, sir,â€� Thomas said, addressing the detective. “I have not said a word to any of the other servants as yet. I have not even asked any questions of any of them, except general ones—enough to satisfy me that not one of them knows a thing about the going out of Mr. Lynne.â€�
“I am afraid, Thomas, that in this case you have been almost too discreet,� replied the detective. “Probably if you had asked a few direct questions, you would have found the reply to every question that troubles you now.�
“Pardon me, sir, but I don’t think so.�
“Well, tell me the story.� Nick glanced at his watch. “It is half-past four now. What time did you last see your master?�
“Shortly after noon, sir; between half-past twelve and one o’clock.�
“And then—he was where?â€�
“Seated in that chair, near the window. He had been reading. He was not dressed, save for his underclothing and a bath robe.�
“He rang for me, Mr. Carter. When I came into the room he directed me to assist him to dress. He put on his trousers, his shirt, slippers, and a smoking jacket. Then he sent me away, saying that was all. But as I was going out at the door, he called to me, and said: