One Mystery for Another

The most commonplace incident takes on a new appearance if the
attendant circumstances are unusual. There was no reason on earth why
Mrs. Watson should not have carried a blanket down the east wing
staircase, if she so desired. But to take a blanket down at eleven
o'clock at night, with every precaution as to noise, and, when
discovered, to fling it at Halsey and bolt--Halsey's word, and a good
one--into the grounds,--this made the incident more than significant.

They moved slowly across the lawn and up the steps. Halsey was talking
quietly, and Mrs. Watson was looking down and listening. She was a
woman of a certain amount of dignity, most efficient, so far as I could
see, although Liddy would have found fault if she dared. But just now
Mrs. Watson's face was an enigma. She was defiant, I think, under her
mask of submission, and she still showed the effect of nervous shock.

"Mrs. Watson," I said severely, "will you be so good as to explain this
rather unusual occurrence?"

"I don't think it so unusual, Miss Innes." Her voice was deep and very
clear: just now it was somewhat tremulous. "I was taking a blanket
down to Thomas, who is--not well to-night, and I used this staircase,
as being nearer the path to the lodge. When--Mr. Innes called and then
rushed at me, I--I was alarmed, and flung the blanket at him."

Halsey was examining the cut on his forehead in a small mirror on the
wall. It was not much of an injury, but it had bled freely, and his
appearance was rather terrifying.