“Was it a fact generally known in the house?”
“So it would seem.”
“How was that? Was he in the habit of leaving it around where any one could see it?”
“I cannot say; I can only acquaint you with the manner in which I myself became aware of its existence.”
“Very well, do so.”
“We were once talking about firearms. I have some taste that way, and have always been anxious to possess a pocket-pistol. Saying something of the kind to him one day, he rose from his seat and, fetching me this, showed it to me.”
“How long ago was this?”
“Some few months since.”
“He has owned this pistol, then, for some time?”
“Yes, sir.”