"I can't help that, Doctor," he said; "I was sure,—that is,—almost sure Mr. Blair was dead."
"Yet you called Hastings and told him Mr. Blair was ill."
"Yes,—I couldn't seem to say the—the other——"
"Why did you kill him, Mr. Thorpe?"
"I— I kill him! Oh, I didn't!— I told you I didn't!"
"Yes; but we can't believe you."
CHAPTER X
Evidence
The few days following Gilbert Blair's death were like a nightmare to his friends. A search of his papers had revealed a probable address of his mother, but a telegram sent there had as yet brought no reply and though a letter was despatched, no answer could be expected to that for a week or more.