"What did you do?"

"Having summoned the servants, I ran into the study. But there was
absolutely nothing unusual to be seen. The windows were closed
and fastened. He worked with closed windows in the hottest weather.
There is no other door, for the study occupies the end of a narrow wing,
so that no one could possibly have gained access to it, whilst I was
in the library, unseen by me. Had someone concealed himself in the study
earlier in the evening--and I am convinced that it offers no hiding-place--
he could only have come out again by passing through here."

Nayland Smith tugged at the lobe of his left ear, as was his
habit when meditating.

"You had been at work here in this way for some time?"

"Yes. Sir Crichton was preparing an important book."

"Had anything unusual occurred prior to this evening?"

"Yes," said Mr. Burboyne, with evident perplexity; "though I attached
no importance to it at the time. Three nights ago Sir Crichton
came out to me, and appeared very nervous; but at times his nerves--
you know? Well, on this occasion he asked me to search the study.
He had an idea that something was concealed there."

"Some THING or someone?"

"`Something' was the word he used. I searched, but fruitlessly,