It was bought when?
While thinking, planning, I was conscious of Hexford's eyes fixed steadily upon me.
"Did you go into the kitchen in your wanderings below ?" he asked.
"No," I began, but seeing that I had made a mistake, I bungled and added weakly: "Yes; after matches." "Only matches ?" "That's all." "And did you get them ?" "Yes." "In the dark?
You must have had trouble in finding them ?" "Not at all.

Only safety matches are allowed here, and they are put in a receptacle at the side of each door.

I had but to open the kitchen door, feel along the jamb, find this receptacle, and pull the box out.

I'm well used to all parts of the house." "And you did this ?" "I have said so." "May I ask which door you allude to ?" "The one communicating with the front hall." "Where did you light your first match ?" "Upstairs." "Not in the kitchen ?" "No, sir." "You are sure ?" "Quite sure." "That's a pity.

I thought you might be able to tell me how so many wine and whiskey bottles came to be standing on the kitchen table." I stared at him, dazed.