Here it was dark in the shadow of the wall,
yet one window on the first floor exhibited a faint glow at the edge of
a closely drawn curtain. Encouraged slightly by this proof that the
house was indeed occupied, I felt my way forward until I came to some
stone steps, and a door. I rapped on the wood three times, my nerves
tingling from excitement. There was a moment's delay, so that I lifted
my hand again, and then the door opened silently. Within was like the
black mouth of a cave, and I involuntarily took a step backward.
"This you, Craig?"
"Yes," I answered, half recognizing the cautious voice.
"All right then--come in. There is nothing to fear, the floor is
level."
I stepped within, seeing nothing of the man, and the door was closed
behind me. The sharp click of the latch convinced me it was secured by
a spring lock.
"Turn on the light," said the voice at my side sharply. Instantly an
electric bulb glowed dazzling overhead, and I blinked, about half
blinded by the sudden change.
CHAPTER II
THE CASE OF PHILIP HENLEY
It was a rather narrow hallway and, with the exception of a thick
carpet underfoot, unfurnished. Neale, appearing somewhat more slender
in evening clothes, smiled at me genially, showing a gold-crowned tooth.
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