"
None of them, however, would go into the lock, not even the
smallest of them.
"I can't make it out, sir," said the man, kneeling to get more
effectively to work. But no key would enter. The footman at last took a
box of matches from his pocket, struck a light and, holding it to the
key-hole, peered in.
"Why, the key is in the lock, on the other side, sir," he said in
astonishment.
"Then the door can't be locked," Morriston said, pushing it.
The footman rose and pushed too, but the door showed no sign of yielding;
it was fastened sure enough.
"This is strange," Morriston said. "Hi! Is any one in there?" he
shouted; but no response came.
"Are you sure the key is in the door on the inside?" he asked.
"Certain, sir. Will you look for yourself, sir?" the man replied,
striking another match and holding it so that his master could
convince himself.
"No doubt about that," Morriston declared, as he rose from his scrutiny.
"It is the most extraordinary thing I have ever known. Can you account
for it, Stent?"
The butler shook his head. "No, sir. Unless someone is in there now."
Morriston again shouted, but no answer came.
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