'I can give no reason except that my opinion of the acuteness of Summertrees has been gradually rising all the while you were speaking, and at the same time my estimate of Podgers' craft has been as steadily declining. However, bring the man here tomorrow, that I may ask him a few questions.'
Next day, about eleven o'clock, the ponderous Podgers, hat in hand, followed his chief into my room. His broad, impassive, immobile smooth face gave him rather more the air of a genuine butler than I had expected, and this appearance, of course, was enhanced by his livery. His replies to my questions were those of a well-trained servant who will not say too much unless it is made worth his while. All in all, Podgers exceeded my expectations, and really my friend Hale had some justification for regarding him, as he evidently did, a triumph in his line.
The man disregarded my invitation, standing like a statue until his chief made a motion; then he dropped into a chair. The English are great on discipline.
'Now, Mr. Hale, I must first congratulate you on the make-up of Podgers. It is excellent. You depend less on artificial assistance than we do in France, and in that I think you are right.'
'Oh, we know a bit over here, Monsieur Valmont,' said Hale, with pardonable pride.
'Now then, Podgers, I want to ask you about this clerk. What time does he arrive in the evening?'
'Does he ring, or let himself in with a latchkey?'
'In a little locked leather satchel, sir, flung over his shoulder.'
'Have you seen him unlock the safe and put in the money?'
'Does the safe unlock with a word or a key?'
'With a key, sir. It's one of the old-fashioned kind.'
'Then the clerk unlocks his leather money bag?'
'That's three keys used within as many minutes. Are they separate or in a bunch?'
'Did you ever see your master with this bunch of keys?'
'You saw him open the safe once, I am told?'
'Did he use a separate key, or one of a bunch?'
Podgers slowly scratched his head, then said,--
'Ah, Podgers, you are neglecting the big things in that house. Sure you can't remember?'
'Once the money is in and the safe locked up, what does the clerk do?'
'On the fourth floor with the rest of the servants, sir.'
'On the second floor, adjoining his study.'