Mr. Jones was not visible when Nick looked into the room.
The bedroom adjoining was also empty.
Nick ran through the flat, but saw nobody. He returned to the parlor, and there stood Mr. Jones under the chandelier.
"Well, upon my word!" exclaimed Jones, "how did you get here?"
"I might ask you the same," said Nick, "but it isn't worth while."
"I've been here all the time."
"Except when you were on the roof."
"Nonsense! What should I be doing on the roof."
"It wasn't what you were doing; it was what you were undoing that bothered me. You were undoing the knot with which I fastened my rope before I descended your air shaft to get a peep at your servant."
"Nonsense again, Mr. Carter. How could I get to the roof?"