“You are all convinced that I am the slayer of my uncle,” he said almost musingly; “well, arrest me, then. It is your duty.”
His hearers were amazed. Such brazen effrontery could expect no leniency. And too, what loop-hole of escape did the suspect have? Motive, opportunity, circumstantial evidence, all went to prove his guilt. True, no one had seen him do the deed; true, he had not himself confessed the crime; but how could his guilt be doubted in view of all the incrimination as testified by witnesses?
The coroner hesitated. He was afraid of this strange young man who seemed so daring and yet had an effect of bravado rather than guilt.
“Was it you, Mr. Landon who telephoned to Mr. Trowbridge the message we have heard reported?”
“It was not.”
“Did you telephone your uncle at all yesterday?”
“In the morning, yes. In the afternoon, no.”
“Do you know of any one else who could call him uncle?”
“No man, that I know of.”
“This was a man speaking, Miss Wilkinson?”