"Not because the man is dangerous, but because it is very necessary you should see him before he sees you.
He's a very strange-acting man, sir; and if he comes in here, will be sure to do something to incriminate himself.

Where can we hide ?" Mr.Gryce remembered the little room he had just left, and drew the officer toward it.

Once installed inside, he let the curtain drop till only a small loophole remained.

The steps, which had been gradually growing louder, kept advancing; and presently they could hear the intruder's breathing, which was both quick and labored.
"Does he know that any one has entered the house?
Did he see you when you came upon him upstairs ?" whispered Mr.Gryce into the ear of the man beside him.
Styles shook his head, and pointed eagerly toward the opposite door.

The man for whose appearance they waited had just lifted the portiere and in another moment stood in full view just inside the threshold.
Mr.Gryce and his attendant colleague both stared.