Parks opened the door, and, nodding to him, I led the way along the
hall and into the ante-room. Godfrey was awaiting us there, and I saw
the flame of interest which leaped into his eyes, as Mr. Hornblower
and the two veiled women entered.
"This is my witness," I said to the former. "Mr. Godfrey--Mr.
Hornblower."
Godfrey bowed, and Hornblower regarded him with a good-humoured
smile.
"If I were not sure of Mr. Godfrey's discretion," he said, "I should
object. But I have tested it before this, and know that it can be
relied upon."
"There is only one person to whom I yield precedence in the matter of
discretion," rejoined Godfrey, smiling back at him, "and that is Mr.
Hornblower. He is in a class quite by himself."
"Thank you," said the lawyer, and bowed gravely.
During this interchange of compliments, the woman I had decided was
the maid had sat down, as though her legs were unable to sustain her,
and was nervously clasping and unclasping her hands; even her
mistress showed signs of impatience.
"The cabinet is in here," I said, and led the way into the inner
room, the two men and the veiled lady at my heels.
It stood in the middle of the floor, just as it had stood since the
night of the tragedy, and all the lights were going.
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