"Perhaps, when one reflects, I have run unnecessary risks." Dominey was standing at the window, looking out at the tumbled grey waters of the North Sea, when Parkins brought him hot water and tea in the morning.

He thrust his feet into slippers and held out his arms for a dressing-gown.
"Find out where the nearest bathroom is, Parkins," he ordered, "and prepare it.

I have quite forgotten my way about here." "Very good, sir." The man was motionless for a moment, staring at the blood on his master's pyjamas.

Dominey glanced down at it and turned the dressing-gown up to his throat.
"I had a slight accident this morning," he remarked carelessly.

"Any ghost alarms last light ?" "None that I heard of, sir," the man replied.