"About an hour or less, perhaps."
"Was it of an amicable character?"
This question was identical to the one already put to Luke on the actual night of the crime, by the detective charged to elucidate its mysteries. And Luke's reply was identical to his former one:
"Of an indifferent character," he replied.
"There was no quarrel between you and the deceased gentleman?"
"Our interview was of a private nature," rejoined Luke with unalterable calm.
"But other witnesses," retorted the coroner sharply, "heard angry voices issuing from the smoking room."
"That no doubt is for those other witnesses to say."
"You deny then that you quarrelled with the deceased on the night when he was murdered?"
"I deny nothing. I am not on my trial, I presume."