"Quite," agreed the rector, nodding slowly. "I am glad I have such a group of witnesses about me Before I say anything, Inspector, this is your last chance. Are you sure you want to proceed with this arrest?"
"Those are my instructions, sir."
Again the other nodded pleasantly. "I rather think you'll regret it, then. Because three witnesses-excuse, four witnesses — will testify that it would have been absolutely impossible for me to have killed my young friend Martin. Or, indeed, anybody else."
He smiled.
"May I ask a question now? Dr. Fell, you seem to have caused this somewhat-pardon me-amazing procedure. On the night my young friend — ah — died, I was at your house, by your side, was I not? At what time did I arrive?" Dr. Fell, still resembling a fat bandit, was leaning against the side of the car. He seemed to be enjoying himself.
"First move," he said. "You're opening with a pawn instead of a knight. Stand by, Inspector; I like this.You arrived in the vicinity of ten-thirty. More or less. I'll give you ten-thirty."
"Let me remind you"-the rector's voice had grown a trifle harsher; but he changed it in an instant, smoothly. "Ah, no matter. Miss Starberth, will you tell these gentlemen again what time your brother left the Hall?"
"There was a mix-up about clocks, you know," Dr. Fell put in. "The clock in the hall was ten minutes fast…."
"Quite so," said Saunders. "Well, at whatever time he left the Hall, I must have been at Dr. Fell's house? You know this to be a fact?"
Dorothy, who had been staring at him queerly, nodded.