The Ponson Case

"Sir William is behind his usual hour," admitted Parks in a slightly chilly tone. Innes had followed his master from the north and was, as Mr. Parks put it, 'well in' with him. Parkes therefore thought to be polite 'well in' with Innes, and was usually affable in a condescending way. But the Innes’s habit of speaking of Sir William as 'the boss,' grated on Parkes’s sensitive ears. The two chatted amicably enough, and under the influence of wine and tobacco time passed unnoticed until once again the clock struck. "That’s half-past eleven," Parks said. "I have never known Sir William so late before. He is usually in bed by now." "Early to bed, early to rise," Innes said. ‘There’s no accounting for tastes, Mr Parkes. I’d like to see you or me going to bed at ten-thirty and getting up at six when we needn’t." "I don’t hold with unnecessarily early hours myself," Parkes agreed, and then, after a pause. "I think I’ll go and see if he wants anything. It’s not like him to retire without having his punch." "Whatever you think, Mr Parks, but for me, I could do here well enough for another hour or more." Without replying, Parkes left the room. Reaching the library door, he knocked discreetly and then entered. The electric lights were switched on and everything looked as usual, but the room was empty. The butler moved on, and opening a door which led to the smoking room, passed in. The lights were off here, as they were also in the billiard room, which he next visited. "He must have gone up to bed," Parks thought, and returning to his room, spoke to Innes. "I can’t find Sir William about anywhere below stairs, and he hasn’t had his punch. I wish you’d have a look whether he hasn’t gone to bed." The Innes left the room. "He’s not upstairs, Mr. Parks," he said, returning a few moments later. "And he’s not been either so far as I can see. The lights are off and nothing’s been touched." "But where is he? He’s never been so late ringing for his punch before." "I’m blessed if I know. Maybe, Mr. Parks, we should have another look round?" "It might be as well." The two men returned to the library. It was still empty, and they decided to make a tour of the lower rooms. In each they switched on the lights and had a look round, but without result. Sir William had disappeared.