Page 44 (1/2)

Then, turning to the library s, I saw Bates,

with a candle held above his head, peering about

"Hello, Bates," I called cheerfully "I just got home

and stepped out to see if the moon had risen I don't

believe I knohere to look for it in this country"

He began lighting the tapers with his usual deliberation

"It's a trifle early, I think, sir About seven o'clock,

I should say, was the hour, Mr Glenarm"

There was, of course, no doubt whatever that Bates

had been one of the men I heard in my room It was

wholly possible that he had been coainst his will; but why, if he had

been forced into aiding a criminal, should he not invoke

s in the

fireplace ihted the reat apartrewas I studied it in relation to the rifle-shot of

the night before, his collision with Morgan in the wood,

which I had witnessed; and now the house itself had

been invaded by soh the refectoryh; but these other matters in connection

with it could hardly be brushed aside

Bates lighted me to the stairway, and said as I passed

him: "There's a baked ham for dinner I should call it extra