"I saw it shortly after it was found, if that's what you mean."
"Just so. Didn't you (hurrum!) associate that dagger with the murdered girl?"
"Not at that moment, I think. Afterwards, naturally."
Masters was snapping at him now; and Stannard, motionless with the glass in his hand, seemed to throw his replies through half-shut teeth.
"Mr. Stannard, do you know what a person is required by law to do when they find a murdered body? — Mind your answer."
"Inform the police, I believe. — Mind your grammar."
"Ah!" said Masters. "Now I understand Mr. Martin Drake was within easy calling-distance of you.. "
"Come to think of it," Stannard frowned, "he called to me, for a second time, shortly after I saw the girl's body. His voice seemed to come from farther away, as though he'd moved back from the grille. But he called, 'Are you sure you're all right?'"
"Did you answer that?"
"Yes. I told him to mind his own damned business."