I managed to find my case, and in the dim light of the match which I
presently struck I saw that Paul Harley's face was very fixed and grim.
He seated himself on the edge of my bed, and:

"I have been guilty of a breach of hospitality, Knox," he began. "Not
only have I secretly had my own car sent down here, but I have had
something else sent, as well. I brought it in under my coat this
evening."

"To what do you refer, Harley?"

"You remember the silken rope-ladder with bamboo rungs which I brought
from Hongkong on one occasion?"

"Yes--"

"Well, I have it in my bag now."

"But, my dear fellow, what possible use can it be to you at Cray's
Folly?"

"It has been of great use," he returned, shortly.

"It enabled me to descend from my window a couple of hours ago and to
return again quite recently without disturbing the household. Don't
reproach me, Knox. I know it is a breach of confidence, but so is the
behaviour of Colonel Menendez."

"You refer to his reticence on certain points?"