“But how, in the name of common sense, do you expect to get a clue by being shut up in my bedroom for half an hour?”
“It is not for me to answer that question now. Indeed, I must respectfully decline to answer it. And unless you allow me to proceed in my own way, and according to my lights, I shall have to retire from the case altogether.”
For two or three minutes the count seemed unable to make up his mind; but at last said—
“Very well, your request shall be complied with, although it seems to me an eccentric one. But I have no right to dictate to you how you should conduct your own business. Therefore I will instruct my valet to receive you, and show you upstairs.”
“I have one more request,” I added. “It is this. I must particularly impress upon you the necessity of keeping this arra
