"Yes. But it is now in my possession. More than a week ago I was engaged with Mr. Page here until a late hour. It was necessary for me to go to his office to procure some papers; it was past eleven, and he handed me his pistol. I forgot to return it."
So much for the pistol. The weapon was immaterial.
"In pursuance of your duties as Mr. Page's confidential clerk, Mr. Burke, you had occasion quite frequently to come here to the house, did you not?"
"Not frequently—sometimes."
"Were you familiar with his habits about the house?"
"I suppose so—yes."
"Which rooms did Mr. Page use the oftenest?"
"This one—and his bedroom. He scarcely ever entered any of the other rooms—seldom ascended the stairs."
"How would you account for the door-hinges on all three doors between the alcove and the bedroom having been freshly oiled?"
He did n't attempt to account for it; he merely evinced a mild surprise that such should have been the case. So, impatiently, I requested Dr. De Breen to dismiss him.