“That need constitute no obstacle, sir, no obstacle at all. The animal sleeps in a basket in the hall.... Perhaps you are familiar with the interior of the house, sir?” “I haven’t been inside it since I was at school. I’m Mr. Hignett’s cousin, you know.” “Indeed, sir? I wasn’t aware. Mr. Hignett has the mumps, poor gentleman.” “Has he?” said Sam, not particularly interested. “I used to stay with him,” he went on, “during the holidays sometimes, but I’ve practically forgotten what the place is like inside. I remember the hall vaguely. Fireplace at one side, one or two suits of armour standing about, a sort of window-ledge near the front door....” “Precisely, sir. It is close beside that window-ledge that the animal’s basket is situated. If I administer a slight soporific....” “Yes, but you haven’t explained yet how I am to get into the house in the first place.” “Quite easily, sir. I can admit you through the drawing-room windows while dinner is in progress.” “Fine!” “You can then secrete yourself in the cupboard in the drawing-room. Perhaps you recollect the cupboard to which I refer, sir?” “No, I don’t remember any cupboard. As a matter of fact, when I used to stay at the house the drawing-room was barred. Mrs. Hignett wouldn’t let us inside it for fear we should smash her china. Is there a cupboard?” “Immediately behind the piano, sir. A nice, roomy cupboard. I was glancing into it myself in a spirit of idle curiosity only the other day. It contains nothing except a few knick-knacks on an upper shelf. You could lock yourself in from the interior, and be quite comfortably seated on the floor till the household retired to bed.” “When would that be?” “They retire quite early, sir, as a rule. By half-past ten the coast is generally clear. At that time I would suggest that I came down and knocked on the cupboard door to notify you that all was well.” Sam was glowing with frank approval. “You know, you’re a master-mind!” he said, enthusiastically. “You’re very kind, sir!” “One of the lads, by Jove!” said Sam. “And not the worst of them! I don’t want to flatter you, but there’s a future for you in crime, if you cared to go in for it.” “I am glad that you appreciate my poor efforts, sir. Then we will regard the scheme as passed and approved?” “I should say we would! It’s a bird!” “Very good, sir.” “I’ll be round at about a quarter to eight. Will that be right?” “Admirable, sir.” “And, I say, about that soporific.... Don’t overdo it. Don’t go killing the little beast.” “Oh, no, sir.” “Well,” said Sam, “you can’t say it’s not a temptation. And you know what you Napoleons of the Underworld are!” CHAPTER XVII. A CROWDED NIGHT § 1