“Certainly, sir!” Stimson moved with dignity to the back stairs. They watched him out of sight. Bernard surprised Landis.
“A queer customer but an honest man,” he said. “There’s venom in our butler. But it’s all for Harrison. He can’t help us much. I’d like to know who planted that bit of feather in his livery. So would he!”
“You believe that?” cried Landis.
“Don’t you?”
“Maybe. Either he’s honest or the cleverest rogue I’ve ever had to corner. He certainly is frank!”
“Come down to Joel’s room,” grunted Bernard. “I’ve got an idea. But I can’t see what good it is!” he added with a rare flash of humor.
They descended to the second floor, saw that there was still a light under Miss Mount’s door and knocked softly. She was fully dressed, although it was close on midnight.
“Sorry to disturb you,” Landis apologised.
“You haven’t disturbed me. I was reading. I thought I’d go in during the night and see how Mr. Graham was resting. A certain amount of fever is to be expected with such a wound.”