Baxter put up his pistol and sat down. Graham then turned to the spare gentleman, who had not moved from the doorway during this episode.
“Mr. Braithwait, I presume?”
“That is my name,” was the composed reply. “Burglars, I presume?”
“The presumption is correct. Will you take a seat?”
Mr. Braithwait sat down opposite young Montgomery, to whom he bowed gravely. There was then a moment of silence, broken by Graham, who had resumed his place at the head of the table.
“I am sorry,” said he, “you have made your appearance, as we can’t very well apologize for our intrusion.”
“No, I suppose not,” said Mr. Braithwait, smiling. “Yet I am rather pleased that I did come, since I always enjoy an unusual experience.”
“Glad you enjoy it,” muttered Baxter; but no one listened to him.
“I was aroused by the reflection of the gaslight in the upper hall,” explained Mr. Braithwait, “and I supposed that the housekeeper had left it burning—she has done so more than once. I came down to extinguish it. 271 I heard voices in this room, and I entered.”
“At the risk of your life,” observed Graham, with a significant glance at Baxter, who had resumed eating.