Reginald Thomas Maitland Scott

“ In the library across the hall was the reporter, Sparks, a likable chap who had drunkenly barged into dynamite and who was undoubtedly shot, perhaps fatally.
At large in the great, black house was a devil.
Of course Wentworth could call the police — if he could reach the telephone in the library. But even to do that, he would have to leave Selwyn too far behind for the safety of that young man. To carry or support the sick man into the library would be to expose him to a bullet in passing through the lighted doorway. ”

“ Sylvester Quornelle."
"Are you sure?" Selwyn was amazed. "Quite!" returned Wentworth. "He was the same height and weight as Dr. Quornelle. He kept his left hand in his right pocket as he sat on the steps, and Dr. Quornelle has some difficulty in concealing the identifying defect in the little finger of his left hand. The old man on the steps kept his left leg straight out before him as if it were a bit stiff, and Dr. Quornelle's left leg is a trifle lame, probably because of a puncture I gave it with a rapier. There is no doubt about the identity of the old man on the steps." ”

“ Quornelle should attempt to open his safe before the arrival of the police, he would find considerable difficulty in doing so.
Wrapping the Chinese vase in the drapery from the safe, Wentworth tucked it under his arm and joined Jack Selwyn in the hall.
"Strong enough to negotiate the stairs?" Wentworth asked.
"Yes," Selwyn replied with assurance. "I am even beginning to feel a little bit hungry."
"Good man! Keep a lookout behind while I go ahead. This fiend may still be in the house. It's impossible to be sure of anything about him. That's what makes him interesting." ”