He
calculated its exact position before replacing the torch in his
pocket, and then, resting back against one side of the frame, he
clutched the other with his hands. He wriggled gradually down
until further purchase became impossible. He then let himself
drop, and swung for a moment by his hands before releasing his
hold.
He fell, as he had calculated, upon the divan. It creaked
ominously. Catching his foot in the cushions, he stumbled and
lay forward for a moment upon his face, listening intently.
The room was very hot but nothing stirred.
VII
THE SCUFFLING SOUND
Detective Durham, as he lay there inhaling the peculiar perfume
of the place, recognized that he had put himself outside the pale
of official protection, and was become technically a burglar.
He wondered if Chief Inspector Kerry would have approved; but he
had outlined this plan of investigation for himself, and knew
well that, if it were crowned by success, the end would be
regarded as having justified the means. On the other hand, in
the event of detention he must personally bear the consequences
of such irregular behaviour. He knew well, however, that his
celebrated superior had achieved promotion by methods at least as
irregular; and he knew that if he could but obtain evidence to
account for the death of the man Cohen, and of the Chinaman Pi
Lung, who had preceded him by the same mysterious path, the way
of his obtaining it would not be too closely questioned.
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