etended to be asleep, heard him come to the bedside and breathed
heavily. He seemed satisfied she did not hear him. He moved away.
She opened her eyes and saw him unlocking his suitcase; his back was
toward her. He took out some papers, sorted them, put a couple on the
dressing-table, then placed the others in the case.

He lit a candle but first turned round and looked at her. She breathed
heavily.

She was cautious but she watched him over the top of the clothes, which
were drawn up to her face. She was surprised to see him carefully burn
the papers. He placed the candle on a newspaper so that the ashes
would fall on it. He pressed the pieces with his hand as they fell.
When they were consumed he wrapped the remains in a piece of the paper,
screwed it tightly, then put the small package in the case. He then
undressed and came to the bed.

There was a knock at the door but he made no response. It was
repeated, this time louder, sharper.

Carl said in a half-sleepy voice:

"Who's there?"

"It's me, the hall porter; I want to see you for a moment."

Carl got out of bed grumbling. Jane thought he was a long time
unlocking the door. She moved restlessly but still pretended to be
asleep.

"What is it? Why the deuce do you rouse me at this hour of the night?"
asked Carl angrily.

"Mr. Hurd, the manager, said he thought he saw you come into the house
a few minutes ago; I said you had not, that you were in your room; I
did not see you and I was in the hall."

"Confound him! I shan't stay here if I'm roused up at this unearthly
hour. It's abominable! You are disturbing my wife's rest. What are
the people tearing about the place for?" asked Carl as he heard
footsteps.

"Didn't you hear the explosion? They are at it again."

"Hush!" said Carl. "You'll wake my wife; it will frighten her. You've
all gone mad. I heard nothing."

"I'm sorry, sir, but Mr. Hurd was so certain he saw you come in I
thought I'd see for myself."

"And what the devil does it matter to him whether I was out or in?"
asked Carl sharply.

"That's not my business, sir. Please excuse me. I'll tell him you are
in your room," said the man, shuffling away. "Queer smell of burning,"
he muttered as he went along the landing; "seemed to be in his room."

The manager was in the hall. With him were an inspector of police and
a detective.

"Well?" asked Hurd.

"He's in his room, undressed and in bed. I knew he didn't come