The one in a black derby stepped forward, hands in his pockets. “Might you recommend a suitable inn for the night? We’d like to go over our findings tonight and start our journey in the morning.”

He blew out a breath. “Of course. There are several.” They were leaving. Leaving.

But one formidable gent stepped forward, his long, open greatcoat flapping about his legs. “I say, Thornhill, I don’t suppose you could let us into that tower before we call it a night, could you? The others are ready to leave off, but I thought we might peek in, just to be thorough. I never like to leave a stone unturned.”

Thornhill’s heart slammed his rib cage, and his skin went cold. No, hot. “Well, if you insist upon it. I cannot attest to its state of cleanliness. I’m afraid I’ll have to suggest entering with handkerchiefs over your nose. No telling how bad it is at the moment.”

The little party stepped forward expectantly, ready to follow Thornhill.

He eased a smile over his face. “Right this way, if you please.” Through the dim corridors and into the kitchen he led them, pausing at the butler’s pantry. “You’ll excuse me a moment while I turn on the gas for the place. I’m afraid it’s been shut down since it isn’t in use.”

Lie, lie, lie. He could barely catch his breath. Fumbling about the shelves and broom handles, he felt about for the copper pipes with valves on them and gripped the biggest one. With one yank, the gas—and every light in the place—blessedly shut off. “Oh, bother.” He exhaled a lungful of air. Darkness, the ultimate cover, blanketed them. He was safe.

“What is it? What’s happened?”

“I’m afraid this happens on occasion. The gas valves interfere with each other at times, and it seems tampering with the valve for the tower has shut them all off.”

Bumps and clangs and voices sounded above. The patients would be unsettled with the sudden plunge into darkness. It couldn’t be helped, though.

“Well, turn them back on.” The unseen man’s voice was demanding, the edge of panic evident.

“It isn’t that simple, I’m afraid. Any one of the staff is liable to start lighting candles and other lamps, and if I turn the gas on just now, the entire place could—”

“He’s right, you’d blow the roof sky-high,” came another voice. “I suppose we’ll just return on the morrow and see what’s to be seen in broad daylight. That’s what I thought we should do from the start, anyway.”

Thornhill held his breath. It was perfect. All too well arranged. God’s blessing upon his little operation.