Major Dell hesitated, just an instant. “No. I had never met Mr. Nealman until last night.”
The coroner’s interest quickened. “You didn’t? How did you happen to be included among his guests?”
“I was a great friend of his friend, Mr. Van Hope. I was invited through his kindness. He wanted me to have a taste of shooting and fishing.”
“What is your occupation, Mr. Dell?”
“I am interested in finance, in a modest way.”
“You saw, heard or knew of nothing connected with this murder that you haven’t testified.”
“No.” Dell paused, considering. “Nothing, I’m sure.”
“I say ‘murder.’ Testimony has gone to show that Florey was dead, not just severely wounded, when you and the others reached his side. Mr. Dell, do you think there is any possibility that life remained in his body when you saw him beside the inlet?”
Dell spoke clearly. “None whatever,” he said.
“You speak very sure.”