Heath nodded his unqualified approbation.
“I’ll arrange for that, sir. There’ll be two men guarding this place day and night from now on.”
“How positively thrilling!” exclaimed Sibella; but I noticed a strange reservation of apprehension in her eyes.
“We won’t detain you any longer, Miss Greene,” said Markham, rising. “But I’d greatly appreciate it if you would remain in your room until our inquiries here are over. You may, of course, visit your mother.”
“Thanks awf’ly, but I think I’ll indulge in a little lost beauty sleep.” And she left us with a friendly wave of the hand.
“Who do you want to see next, Mr. Markham?” Heath was on his feet, vigorously relighting his cigar.
But before Markham could answer Vance lifted his hand for silence, and leaned forward in a listening attitude.
“Oh, Sproot!” he called. “Step in here a moment.”
The old butler appeared at once, calm and subservient, and waited with a vacuously expectant expression.
“Really, y’ know,” said Vance, “there’s not the slightest need for you to hover solicitously amid the draperies of the hallway while we’re busy in here. Most considerate and loyal of you; but if we want you for anything we’ll ring.”