e used to keep them in the cupboard here, because he had a
great dislike of being waited on more than was necessary. It was an
understood thing that I never came near him after dinner unless sent
for. And when he sent for anything, he liked it brought quick, and to be
left alone again at once. He hated to be asked if he required anything
more. Amazingly simple in his tastes, sir, Mr. Manderson was.'

'Very well; and he rang for you that night about a quarter past eleven.
Now can you remember exactly what he said?'

'I think I can tell you with some approach to accuracy, sir. It was not
much. First he asked me if Mr. Bunner had gone to bed, and I replied
that he had been gone up some time. He then said that he wanted some
one to sit up until 12.30, in case an important message should come by
telephone, and that Mr. Marlowe having gone to Southampton for him in
the motor, he wished me to do this, and that I was to take down the
message if it came, and not disturb him. He also ordered a fresh syphon
of soda water. I believe that was all, sir.'

'You noticed nothing unusual about him, I suppose?'

'No, sir, nothing unusual. When I answered the ring, he was seated
at the desk listening at the telephone, waiting for a number, as I
supposed. He gave his orders and went on listening at the same time.
'When I returned with the syphon he was engaged in conversation over the
wire.'

'Do you remember anything of what he was saying?'

'Very little, sir; it was something about somebody being at some
hotel--of no interest to me. I was only in the room just time enough to
place the syphon on the table and withdraw. As I closed the door he was
saying, "You're sure he isn't in the hotel?" or words to that effect.'

'And that was the last you saw and heard of him alive?'

'No, sir. A little later, at half-past eleven, when I had settled down
in my pantry with the door ajar, and a book to pass the time, I heard
Mr. Manderson go upstairs to bed. I immediately went to close the
library window, and slipped the lock of the front door. I did not hear
anything more.'

Trent considered. 'I suppose you didn't doze at all,' he said
tentatively, 'while you were sitting up waiting for the telephone
message?'

'Oh no, sir. I am always very wakeful about that time. I'm a bad
sleeper, especially in the neighbourhood of the sea, and I generally
read in bed until somewhere about midnight.'

'And did any message come?'

'No, sir.'

'No