That's where he showed his cleverness in protecting himself as well as shielding the girl, because if he was actually down in the coal cellar she might have gained entrance to the house and left it again without Thalassa knowing anything about it.

He says that he admitted nobody, and heard nobody." "Perhaps he helped in the murder, and sprang on his master." "That is possible.

But why should Thalassa spring on his master in maniacal excitement?
To secure the revolver to shoot him?
I can see no other reason.

What happened afterwards?
Robert Turold wasn't shot immediately.

Some seconds, perhaps minutes, elapsed.