"We were then called up by Mr. Arbuthnot at a little after 3 a.m.," proceeded witness, "and went down to the conservatory, where I saw the accused and Mr. Arbuthnot washing the face of the deceased. I pointed out to them what an unwise thing it was to do this, as they might be destroying valuable evidence for the police. They paid no attention to me. There were a number of footmarks round about the door which I wanted to examine, because it was my theory that—"
"My lords," cried Sir Impey, "we really cannot have this witness's theory."
"Certainly not!" said the Lord High Steward. "Answer the questions, please, and don't add anything on your own account."
"Of course," said Mr. Pettigrew-Robinson. "I don't mean to imply that there was anything wrong about it, but I considered—"
"Never mind what you considered. Attend to me, please. When you first saw the body, how was it lying?"
"On its back, with Denver and Arbuthnot washing its face. It had evidently been turned over, because—"
"Sir Wigmore," interposed the Lord High Steward, "you really must control your witness."
"Kindly confine yourself to the evidence," said Sir Wigmore, rather heated. "We do not want your deductions from it. You say that when you saw the body it was lying on its back. Is that correct?"
"And Denver and Arbuthnot were washing it."
"Yes. Now I want to pass to another point. Do you remember an occasion when you lunched at the Royal Automobile Club?"