But the real wound which I probed and located to a hair was a decidedly slanting one.

It must have been sent from a place further off." "From behind the other pedestal!" spoke up Mr.Gryce, all fire and interest at once.

"Either the Englishman deceived us, or each pedestal had its man." "We'll see! Another shot, and from behind the further pedestal, Mr.La Fleche!" The Indian glided into view and started for the other end of the tapestry, followed by the Inspector, his detectives and the two directors.

As they passed one by one across the face of the great hanging, they had the appearance not of living men but of a parade of specters, so silent their step and so somber their air.

The dread of some development hitherto unacknowledged made their movements slow instead of hasty.