“I am glad you are so shrewd, Briggs,” said the millionaire. “It had not occurred to me that an impostor might come. Say to the man, ‘What is your errand?’ I shall instruct him to answer, ‘I have come to look at Mr. Guestwick’s rare editions.’”
“Very good, sir,” said Briggs.
“Unless he answers that, do not admit him. You understand?”
“Perfectly,” the butler made answer.
At half past ten a man in evening dress rang the door of the Guestwick mansion. He was a tall man with a hard look and a biting, gruff voice.
Briggs interposed his sturdy body between the stranger and the entrance.
“What is your errand?” said Briggs suavely.
“I have come to look at Mr. Guestwick’s rare editions,” he was told.
“Step inside,” urged Briggs with cordiality.
“Everybody in bed?” the man snapped.