"You hear that question, Benson?" said the chief constable. "Did you notice anything strange about Mr. Ronald's conduct when first he came to the inn or at any time?"
"I cannot say I did, sir. I thought he looked very tired when he first came into the inn, and his eyes were heavy as though with want of sleep."
"He seemed quite sane and rational?"
"Did you notice any symptoms of mental disturbance or irritability about him at any time?" struck in Sir Henry Durwood.
"No, sir. He was a little bit angry at first when I said I couldn't take him in, but he struck me as quite cool and collected."
Sir Henry looked a little disappointed at this reply. He asked no more questions, but entered a note in a small note-book which he took from his waistcoat pocket. Mr. Cromering intimated to the innkeeper that he had finished questioning him, and would like to examine the waiter, Charles.
"If you wouldn't mind pulling the bell-rope behind you, sir," hinted the innkeeper.
In response to a pull at the old-fashioned bell-rope, the stout country servant, who had been washing greens in the kitchen, entered the room.
"Where is Charles, Ann?" asked the innkeeper.