was simply a cover to the removal of the papers that were resting on it. It was this that caused the annoyance to which Mrs. Parlin had referred.
He went over the ground under the consciousness that eyes at least as capable of seeing as his own had preceded him, and that there was little chance that anything had escaped them and less chance that, if there had, he would be able to discover it. It irritated him that men who wanted real service should call him in at so late an hour, and then seem to take it for granted that they had done all that was necessary.
"Oldbeg has been here a good many years," he said carelessly to Mrs. Parlin, who insisted on attending him in his investigation.
"He's been with us about six years; one year before the judge died."
"You have always found him faithful?"
"There has been nothing particular to complain of. He's been steady and has worked hard and usually shown good temper."
"Usually," Cranston repeated. "Then sometimes he hasn't."
