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My first thought was to find the crypt door and return

through the tunnel before Bates reached the house

The chapel was open, and by lighting matches I found

h and

closed the opening; then ran through the passage with

gratitude for the generous builder who had given it a

clear floor and an ath and pitched into the steps under the

trap at a speed that sentIn a

up the cellar steps, breathless, with my cap

smashed down over my eyes

I heard Bates at the rear of the house and knew I had

won the race by a scratch There was but a moment in

which to throw my coat and cap under the divan, slap

the dust froreat

table, where the candles blazed tranquilly

Bates' step was as steady as ever-there was not the

slightest hint of excite pardon, Mr Glenar,

sir?"

"Oh, no, thank you, Bates"

"I had stepped down to the village, sir, to speak to

the grocer The eggs he sent thiswere not

quite up to the e article to this house"

"That's right, Bates" I folded my arms to hide e,

and faced my man servant My respect for his rascally