assailed me.

 

Ackroyd spoke again almost immediately.

 

“Make certain that window’s closed, will you?” he asked.

 

Somewhat surprised, I got up and went to it. It was not a French window, but one

of the ordinary sash type. The heavy blue velvet curtains were drawn in front of

it, but the window itself was open at the top.

 

Parker reëntered the room with my bag while I was still at the window.

 

“That’s all right,” I said, emerging again into the room.

 

“You’ve put the latch across?”

 

“Yes, yes. What’s the matter with you, Ackroyd?”

 

The door had just closed behind Parker, or I would not have put the question.

 

Ackroyd waited just a minute before replying.

 

“I’m in hell,” he said slowly, after a minute. “No, don’t bother with those

damned tablets. I only said that for Parker. Servants are so curious. Come here

and sit down. The door’s closed too, isn’t it?”