Next morning, of course, Don Carlos was the hero of the hour, and
everyone was lavishing compliments and congratulations on him for
having tackled an armed burglar single-handed and getting the better of
the desperado.
"I thought I heard someone prowling about in the corridor and got up to
investigate," Don Carlos explained. "The fellow seemed to be trying to
force the door of Miss Rostrevor's room, and when I challenged him he
whipped out a pistol and fired at me. Fortunately for me, he missed,
and before he could fire again I grappled with him, managed to get a
grip on his arm, and dislocated his elbow by a trick taught me years
ago by an old wrestler."
"I wonder why he was trying to force my door, which was locked and
bolted, instead of discovering if some of the other doors had been left
unlocked," said Myra. "Oddly enough, I fancied I heard someone trying
my door some time before I heard the shot. And I still think there was
more than one burglar concerned," she added, with a direct and
challenging glance at Don Carlos.
"The Police Inspector tells me the man asserts he had no accomplices or
confederates," said Don Carlos, his face expressionless. "It is
strange, nevertheless, that he should have attempted to force his way
into your room in preference to any other."
"Very strange!" agreed Myra. "And how fortunate for me that I should
have happened to take the precaution of locking and bolting my door.
Oddly enough, I had a sort of presentiment that if I did not bolt my
door something dreadfully unpleasant might happen. Normally, you see,
I don't bolt the door or lock it. It I do, it means that I have to get
up when my maid brings my morning tea. But the night before last I
seemed to have a warning, so last night I took precautions against any
unwanted visitor. I shall always lock and bolt my door in future."
"Isn't there an old saying that love laughs at locksmiths?" inquired
Don Carlos, his expression still sphinx-like, but his eyes twinkling.
"You looked delicious in your nightie and boudoir cap, Myra."
"I shall remember to put on my dressing gown next time I am expecting
burglars," responded Myra, flushing slightly. "Thank you for saving
me, gallant sir."
She was wondering whether it was Don Carlos or the burglar who had
tried her door, and she could hazard a guess as to why Carlos had
happened to be in the corridor at two o'clock in the morning.