He marked the absence of mounted heads from the walls, but in spite of that the very atmosphere of the room breathed of the forests and the beast.

Here and there he saw the articulated skeletons of wild animals.

From among the books themselves the jaws and ivory fangs of skulls gleamed out at him.

Before he had finished his wondering survey of the strange room, John Adare stepped to the table and picked up a skull.
"This is my latest specimen," he said, his voice eager with enthusiasm.
"It is perfect.

Jean secured it for me while I was away.