“I have often come across cases like that,” said Collins. “Now I suppose you came in quite quietly, without making any noise?”
“Yes, sir, as the family were out I was wearing carpet slippers, as I suffer with my feet a good deal, and the door was only ajar.”
They were standing in the dining-room.
Collins walked to the fire-place.
“And you thought you saw Sir James standing here,” he said, but he took in a breath. With an effort he controlled his voice.
“Don’t let me stop your work,” he said.
“Thank you, sir,” said the other, hurrying to complete his preparations.
Collins stooped quickly.
The impression of two feet was plainly visible on the thick rug. No one had been in the room since the morning, as they had all been out for lunch. Hastily Collins walked up and down the rug two or three times, sliding his feet over the soft pile.
Then he glanced up at the portrait.