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"You didn't tell the callers where you expected to

find me, did you?" I asked Bates, as he brushed me off

in the kitchen

"No, sir Mr Stoddard received the gentle the bell for , 'Mr Glenarm is at his studies Bates,'-

he says-'kindly tell Mr Glenarm that I'm sorry to interrupt

hiht

it rather neat, sir, considering his clerical office I

knew you were below somewhere, sir; the trap-door was

open and I found you easily enough"

Bates' eyes were brighter than I had ever seen theave an entirely new tone to

his voice He walked ahead of me to the library door,

threw it open and stood aside

"Here you are, Glenarer stood near the fireplace in their overcoats

Pickering advanced and offered his hand, but I

turned away fro it His co, a paper in his

hand

"The sheriff," Pickering explained, "and our business

is rather personal-"

He glanced at Stoddard, who looked at me

"Mr Stoddard will do me the kindness to remain,"

I said and tookejaculated scornfully "I didn't

understand that you had established relations with the

neighboring clergy Your taste is i, Glenarm"

"Mr Glenarm is a friend of mine," remarked Stoddard