with the inspector's request. He had practically completed his account
when the door-bell rang.

"It's the servants," said Dr. Cumberly. "Soames will open the door."

But Soames did not appear.

The ringing being repeated:--

"I told him to remain in his room," said Dunbar, "until I rang for him,
I remember--"

"I will open the door," said Cumberly.

"And tell the servants to stay in the kitchen," snapped Dunbar.

Dr. Cumberly opened the door, admitting the cook and housemaid.

"There has been an unfortunate accident," he said--"but not to your
master; you need not be afraid. But be good enough to remain in the
kitchen for the present."

Peeping in furtively as they passed, the two women crossed the lobby and
went to their own quarters.

"Mr. Soames next," muttered Dunbar, and, glancing at Cumberly as he
returned from the lobby:--"Will you ring for him?" he requested.

Dr. Cumberly nodded, and pressed a bell beside the mantelpiece. An
interval followed, in which the inspector made notes and Cumberly stood