Page:Guy Boothby--A Bid for Fortune.djvu/248

238 "Then we may dismiss him from our minds. I think I saw a footman in the hall. How long has he been with you?"

"Just about three months."

"And what sort of fellow is he?"

"I really could not tell you very much about him. He seems intelligent, quick, and willing, and up to his work."

"Is your cook a man or a woman?"

"A woman. She has been with me since before my wife's death that is to say, nearly ten years. You need have no suspicion of her."

"Housemaids?"

"Two. Both have been with me some time, and seem steady, respectable girls. There is also a kitchen-maid; but she has been with me nearly as long as my cook, and I would stake my reputation on her integrity."

"Well, in that case the only person who seems at all suspicious is the footman. May we have him up?"

"With pleasure. I'll ring for him."

Mr. Wetherell rang the bell, and a moment later it was answered by the man himself.

"Come in, James, and shut the door behind you," said his master.

The man did as he was ordered, but not without looking, as I thought, a little uncomfortable. The inspector, I could see, had noticed this, for he had been watching him intently ever since he had appeared in the room.

"James," said Mr. Wetherell, the inspector of Police wishes to ask you a few questions. Answer him to the best of your ability."

"To begin with," said the Inspector, "I want you to look at this envelope. Have you seen it before?"