"No, thank you," said the lawyer. "I will wait until I return." And he took up his hat.
"Is there nothing but the discovery of the hat near the body to direct suspicion against Mr. Dodson?" he asked.
"I do not know," said the captain. "I should think not. It is ridiculous to suppose that he was capable of committing such a crime."
"Exactly," said the lawyer.
And he remained quiet until they had reached the guardhouse.
Once more the captain looked down upon the dead body and distorted face with calm, grave complaisance.
The lawyer asked a few questions.
"Can I see the hat?" he asked.
"Yes, sir," said the coastguard, approaching the cupboard.
While he was unlocking it, a thin, cadaverous looking man entered, in a quiet, careless sort of fashion, and went up close behind the lawyer.