There was a sound of quicker footsteps upon the stairs, the door was flung back, and Sidney Mallinson entered the room.

Drake lighted the gas.
'We have been waiting for you,' said Mallinson to his wife.

'I couldn't think where you had got to,' and he glanced from her to Drake.
'I have been here all the time,' she said with a certain defiance.
Mallinson turned and walked down the stairs again, without as much as a word to Drake.

Clarice followed him, and after her came Drake.
'Ah, here you are!' said Captain Le Mesurier.

'Now we're ready.