"Here we are!" he repeated in a louder voice.
The electric light was turned on in anticipation of his arrival. He stood still and looked round.
"We'll have some tea at once," he said. "Ah, Pitting!"
The pale butler, who had heard the door bang, moved gently forward from the top of the stairs that led to the kitchen, greeted his master respectfully, took his coat and Father Murchison's cloak, and hung them on two pegs against the wall.
"All's right, Pitting? All's as usual?" said Guildea.
"Quite so, sir."
"Bring us up some tea to the library."
"Yes, sir."
Pitting retreated. Guildea waited till he had disappeared, then opened the dining-room door, put his head into the room and kept it there for a moment, standing perfectly still. Presently he drew back into the passage, shut the door, and said,
"Let's go upstairs."