Proudfoot, chattering as they paced to and fro between the herbaceous borders. They seemed to be happy together. The whole house seemed happier, now that Gooch was gone.
'Very strange indeed, sir. I may add that, after hearing the inspector's observations, I took the precaution to dry your dress trousers in the linen-cupboard in the bathroom.'
'Oh, yes,' said Mr Spiller.
'I shall not, of course, mention the change of wind to the authorities, sir, and now that the inquest is over, it is not likely to occur to anybody, unless their attention should be drawn to it: I think, sir, all things being taken into consideration, you might find it worth your while to retain me permanently in your service at--shall we say double my present wage to begin with?'
Mr Spiller opened his mouth to say, 'Go to Hell,' but his voice failed him. He bowed his head.
'I am much obliged to you, sir,' said Masters, and withdrew on silent feet.
Mr Spiller looked at the fountain, with its tall water wavering and bending in the wind.
'Ingenious,' he muttered automatically, 'and it really costs nothing to run. It uses the same water over and over again.'
