"Because an unusual thing happened last night, sir. The grandfather clock in the hall was ten minutes fast. I — er — happened to notice it by comparing it with the clock in here. Then I went round to look at all the other clocks in the house. We generally set our watches by the grandfather clock, sir, and I fancied―"
"You did?" demanded Dr. Fell. "You looked at the others, did you?"
"Why — yes, sir," said Budge, slightly shocked.
"Well? Were they all right?"
"That, if I may say so, sir, is the curious part of it. They were. All of them except the grandfather. I can't imagine how it came to be wrong, sir. Somebody must have set it that way. In the hurry and rush, I have not had an opportunity to enquire.. '
"What's this all about?" asked the chief constable. "According to what you've told me, young Starberth arrived at the Governor's Room on the tick of eleven — his watch is right — everything is right…."
"Yes," said Dr. Fell. "Yes. That's what makes it wrong, you see. Just one more question, Budge. Is there a clock in Mr. Martin's room?"
"Yes, sir. A large one on the wall."
Dr. Fell nodded his head several times, in communication with himself. Then he went to a chair and lowered himself into it with a sigh.
"Carry on, old man. I may seem to ask a number of foolish questions at odd times, and I shall probably be doing it all day, to every one of your witnesses. Bear with me, will you? — But, Budge! When Sir Benjamin has finished talking to you, I wish you'd try to dig up the person who changed that clock in the hall. It's rather important."