In a few minutes John returned with the information that Mr. Kassala's room was empty, that his bed had not been slept in, and that nobody had seen him that morning. "This is very singular," said his lordship. Then, after a pause, "One hardly likes to say so, but I must confess my confidence in the _bona fides_ of Mr. Kassala has been shaken. You spoke about burglars last night, Marmaduke, in reference to my crozier, which seemed to have a peculiar attraction for Mr. Kassala. I hope it is safe." "I put the case on the top of my wardrobe last night, and it was there five minutes ago," said Mr. Percy. "I wonder what his object could be in coming here, and then leaving us in this extraordinary manner. Perhaps you can throw some light on that very peculiar incident in the middle of the night, Mr. Jones?" "I heard a noise, my lord, and followed Mr. Kassala to see what he was doing. I haven't the faintest idea why he went into your room, unless it really was, as he said, that he had mistaken it for Mr. Percy's." "But what should he want with Mr. Percy?" asked Mrs. Dacre. "Perhaps Mr. Percy will answer that?" said the chaplain, with much meaning in his voice. Mr. Percy fixed the eyeglass and looked coolly at the chaplain. "How on earth should I know, Jones?" he said. With this oracular remark he returned to his egg. The chaplain was bursting with indignation at Mr. Percy's concealment of his midnight interview with Mr. Kassala. He longed to expose him, but shrank from the necessity of a painful scene. "Mildred," said Mrs. Dacre suddenly, "let us look through the drawing-room silver at once. I hope the equestrian statuette of your father is safe." While the ladies were ticking off their household gods, Mr. Percy went to his room to pack, and Mr. Jones followed. "May I have his lordship's crozier?" asked the chaplain. "Certainly. Here you are. But you do look unhappy, Jones! Whatever is the matter?" Mr. Jones took the case without replying. "The key was in the lock last night," he remarked. "Was it? Then it must have dropped out somewhere. Perhaps it's on the floor." But it did not seem to be there, although both Mr. Percy and the chaplain looked very carefully for it. "Never mind," said the former, after five minutes' fruitless search. "It will probably turn up after I've gone. Remember, that I'll be responsible for any damage." The chaplain was very pale. "Mr. Percy," he said, "I know of your midnight interview with Mr. Kassala." Once more Mr. Percy fixed his monocle. "Do you, old man?" he replied. "Then I won't be the one to get you into trouble over it. You may rely on me. If you don't say anything, I shan't. Now good-bye. It'll take me all my time to get my things together. My man's ill, and I'm out of practice." Mr. Jones left the room more bewildered than ever. His lordship, after leaving stringent instructions regarding Mr. Kassala, should he again appear, went by the noon train to town with Mr. Percy.