The storm increased. The wind howled against the side of the house.

Every one was in the living-room. They sat listlessly huddled together. And, surreptitiously, they watched each other.

When Rogers brought in the tea-tray, they all jumped.

He said: «Shall I draw the curtains? It would make it more cheerful like.»

Receiving an assent to this, the curtains were drawn and the lamps turned on. The room grew more cheerful. A little of the shadow lifted. Surely, by tomorrow, the storm would be over and some one would come – a boat would arrive…

Vera Claythorne said: «Will you pour out tea, Miss Brent?»

The elder woman replied:

«No, you do it, dear. That tea-pot is so heavy. And I have lost two skeins of my grey knitting-wool. So annoying.»

Vera moved to the tea-table. There was a cheerful rattle and clink of china. Normality returned.

Tea! Blessed ordinary everyday afternoon tea! Philip Lombard made a cheery remark. Blore responded. Dr. Armstrong told a humorous story. Mr. Justice Wargrave, who ordinarily hated tea, sipped approvingly.

Into this relaxed atmosphere came Rogers. And Rogers was upset. He said nervously and at random:

«Excuse me, sir, but does any one know what’s become of the bathroom curtain?»

Lombard’s head went up with a jerk.

«The bathroom curtain? What the devil do you mean, Rogers?»

«It’s gone, sir, clean vanished. I was going round drawing all the curtains and the one in the lav – bathroom wasn’t there any longer.»

Mr. Justice Wargrave asked: «Was it there this morning?»

«Oh, yes, sir.»

Blore said: «What kind of a curtain was it?»

«Scarlet oilsilk, sir. It went with the scarlet tiles.»

Lombard said: «And it’s gone?»

«Gone, sir.»

They stared at each other.

Blore said heavily: «Well – after all – what of it? It’s mad – but so’s everything else. Anyway, it doesn’t matter. You can’t kill anybody with an oilsilk curtain. Forget about it.»

Rogers said: «Yes, sir, thank you, sir.» He went out, shutting the door behind him.

Inside the room, the pall of fear had fallen anew. Again, surreptitiously, they watched each other.