Whether Bellward, who appeared bent only on getting away from the
house without delay, examined the balcony or not, Desmond did not
know; but after the agony of suspense had endured for what seemed
to him an hour, he heard Strangwise say:
"It's no good, Bellward! I'm not satisfied! And until I am
satisfied that Okewood is not here, I don't leave this house. And
that's that!"
Bellward swore savagely.
"We've searched the garden and not found him: we've ransacked the
house from top to bottom without result. The fellow's not here;
but by God, he'll be here presently with a bunch of police, and
then it'll be too late! For the last time, Strangwise, will you
clear out?"
There was a moment's pause. Then Desmond heard Strangwise's
clear, calm voice.
"There's a balcony there... below the window, I mean."
"I've looked," replied Bellward, "and he's not there. You can see
for yourself!"
The moment of discovery had arrived. To Desmond the strain seemed
unbearable and to alleviate it, he began to count, as one counts
to woo sleep. One! two! three! four! He heard a grating noise as
the window was pushed further up. Five! six! seven! eight!
"Strange!"
Strangwise muttered the word just above Desmond's head. Then, to
his inexpressible relief, he heard the other add:
"He's not there!"
And Desmond realized that the depth of the balcony had saved him.
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