As I preceded the servant up the stairs I felt toward him as an accused murderer must feel toward the witness who has it in his power to swear his life away.
He was a big active man--Bray; blond as are so many Englishmen.

His every move spoke efficiency.

Trying to act as unconcerned as an innocent man should--but failing miserably, I fear--I related to him my story of the voices, the struggle, and the heavy man who had got by me in the hall and later climbed our gate.

He listened without comment.

At the end he said: "You were acquainted with the captain ?" "Slightly," I told him.