“H’m,” said the inspector. “I must see Miss Ackroyd at once. For the moment

we’ll leave this room exactly as it is. I can return here after I’ve heard what

Miss Ackroyd has to tell me. I shall just take the precaution of shutting and

bolting the window.”

 

This precaution accomplished, he led the way into the hall and we followed him.

He paused a moment, as he glanced up at the little staircase, then spoke over

his shoulder to the constable.

 

“Jones, you’d better stay here. Don’t let any one go into that room.”

 

Parker interposed deferentially.

 

“If you’ll excuse me, sir. If you were to lock the door into the main hall,

nobody could gain access to this part. That staircase leads only to Mr.

Ackroyd’s bedroom and bathroom. There is no communication with the other part of

the house. There once was a door through, but Mr.

 

Ackroyd had it blocked up. He liked to feel that his suite was entirely

private.”

 

To make things clear and explain the position, I have appended a rough sketch of

the right-hand wing of the house. The small staircase leads, as Parker

explained, to a big bedroom (made by two being knocked into one) and an