The man who appeared was mild, and correct, and very nervous. Not a wrinkle in his neat clothes was out of place, and there was no guile in him. He had a long, lean head, with thin black hair parted sharply in the middle and brushed behind each large, ear.

At the sight of the tableau he froze. Nobody spoke.

`You — you wished to speak to me, sir?' he said, in a curious voice, with a slight jump at the end of it

`Sit down,' said Dr Fell:

Another silence, while Marks's eyes took in the properties. He lowered himself gingerly into the chair.

`Sergeant Rampole,' said the doctor, 'take down this man's testimony…. Your name?'

'Theophilus Marks, sir.'

Rampole made two crosses and a' squiggle. Occupation?'

`I am employed by Sir William Bitton, of Berkeley Square, sir. I–I hope, sir,' said Marks, swallowing, `that this is not in connexion with — with that dreadful business, sir, of Mr Philip.

'Your last position?'