He had to grope his way
through the outer chambers by the aid of matches, and when he reached his
room, was surprised to find it in darkness, for he had left a light burning
in it. He struck more matches, and was annoyed to discover that his lamp
had been taken away. Being very tired he felt inclined to undress and go to
bed in the dark, but, suddenly remembering the small light in the passage,
determined to fetch it. Making his way back to the passage he tried to take
the little lamp down. But it was too high up, and the noise that he made in
his efforts to reach it brought Barclay to his door.
When he heard of Dermot's difficulty he said:
"I'm not sleepy yet, Major, so I'll bring my lamp along to your room and
smoke a cheroot while you undress. Then I'll go off with it as soon as
you've turned in."
Dermot thanked him, and the young policeman went with him, carrying the
lamp, which had a double wick and gave a good light. Putting it down on the
dressing-table he lit a cheroot and proceeded to seat himself in a chair
beside the bed. Like the room itself and the rest of the furniture, it was
covered with dust.
"By George, what dirty quarters they've given you, sir," he exclaimed.
"Just look at the floor. I'll bet it's never been swept since the Palace
was built. The dust is an inch deep near the bed." He polished the seat of
the chair carefully before he sat down.
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