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38 what I said to the manager. He couldn't find an explanation. Can you?’

Mr. Cupples considered. 'Those facts might suggest that he was hurried only at the end of his dressing. Coat and shoes would come last.'

'But not false teeth. You ask anybody who wears them. And besides, I'm told he hadn't washed at all on getting up, which in a neat man looks like his being in a violent hurry from the beginning. And here's another thing. One of his waistcoat pockets was lined with wash-leather for the reception of his gold watch. But he had put his watch into the pocket on the other side. Anybody who has settled habits can see how odd that is. The fact is, there are signs of great agitation and haste, and there are signs of exactly the opposite. For the present I am not guessing. I must reconnoitre the ground first, if I can manage to get the right side of the people of the house.' Trent applied himself again to his breakfast.

Mr. Cupples smiled at him benevolently. 'That is precisely the point,' he said, 'on which I can be of some assistance to you.' Trent glanced up in surprise. 'I told you I