“Suddenly,” continued the Countess dramatically, “I hear something. A stealthy sound. A muffled footstep. I switch out my torch and listen. The footsteps draw nearer⁠—stealthy, horrible footsteps. I shrink behind the screen. In another minute the door opens and the light is switched on. The man⁠—the burglar is in the room.”

“Yes, but I say⁠—” began Mr. Thesiger.

A large-sized foot pressed his, and realising that Superintendent Battle was giving him a hint, Jimmy shut up.

“I nearly died of fear,” continued the Countess. “I tried not to breathe. The man waited for a minute, listening. Then, still with that horrible, stealthy tread⁠—”

Again Jimmy opened his mouth in protest, and again shut it.