“And where were you, Mr. Dell, when the scream was heard?” the coroner asked.
“In the library,” was the reply. Major Dell spoke evenly, but his keen, flushed face showed that he was taking the most keen and lively interest in the proceedings.
“Why weren’t you with the others in the party?”
“We were all running all over the house. I was trying to find Mr. Nealman’s copy of Jordan’s work on fish. Fargo and I had got into an argument about black bass.”
“Mr. Fargo was not with you at the time?”
“I was alone. I had left Mr. Fargo at the billiard table.”
Weldon’s voice changed in tone. “And how did the argument come out, may I ask.”
Major Dell smiled dryly. “It isn’t concluded yet,” he said.
The coroner paused, then took a new tack. “You heard the sound distinctly?”
“Distinctly, but probably not so clearly as Mr. Nealman heard it. The library is back of the lounging-room.”