Page 19 - the-thirty-nine-steps

came back about half-past ten in time for our game of chess
before turning in.
I had a cigar in my mouth, I remember, as I pushed open
the smoking-room door. The lights were not lit, which struck
me as odd. I wondered if Scudder had turned in already.
I snapped the switch, but there was nobody there. Then
I saw something in the far corner which made me drop my
cigar and fall into a cold sweat.
My guest was lying sprawled on his back. There was a
long knife through his heart which skewered him to the
floor.

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