Young Donovan found his morning-after head rapidly disappearing. This cool, unhurried, gruesome recital roused his wits and his imagination. That wild talk of sliding down bannisters now seemed a part of yesterday night's tippling; it was the first time he had caught the scent of a man hunt, and he was beginning to understand its fascination. There was a silence. With a return of uneasiness he found the bishop's complacent paternal eye fixed upon him.
This, Mr. Hadley," said the bishop, "is most interesting. And instructive." He waved his hand towards his son. "My son, Mr. Hadley, is a student of criminology like myself. Hem. I shall see presently what good his studies have done him" He became businesslike, and considered. There are several suggestive points, I fancy. For example—"
"But, demmit! — " protested the colonel, mopping his forehead, "I say—!"
"— for example" the bishop continued coldly, "you say the door of the study was locked on the inside. Did the murderer escape through a window?"
"No. Through another door. There is an upstairs balcony running along the side of the house, and a door opens out on it. This door — which Storer says is generally locked — was partly open." Hadley regarded him without sarcasm, and very patiently. "Now, then. If you will explain your own part in the matter…?"
The bishop nodded, and smiled at Standish in a kindly fashion.
"With pleasure. Fortunately, Mr. Hadley, I can tell you the name of the man who called on Mr. Depping last night. As a matter of fact, I can show you a photograph of him."
While the colonel a tared, he took from his inside pocket a sheet of glazed paper, carefully annotated in a small hand, and bearing two photographs, which he handed across to Hadley. Now that he was vindicated, the bishop's sense of humor seemed to reassert itself.
"His name is Louis Spinelli. In case the name fails to stir your memory, Mr. Hadley, there are a few notes on him at the bottom of the sheet"
"Spinelli—" repeated Hadley. His eyes narrowed. "Spinelli — got it! Blackmail. That's the chap. One of Mayfree's mob, who tried to get into England last year—"