"On the contrary, Lord Chelsford," I answered, "I know nothing.".
Later in the day he came to me again. I could see that he had made no fresh discovery.
"Ducaine," he said, "what time did you say that you left here last night?"
"At midnight, sir."
"And you were back?"
"Before one."
"That corresponds exactly with Grooton's statement," Lord Chelsford said. "And yet I have certain information that from a few minutes before eleven till two o'clock not one member of the Military Board quitted the library."
I bowed.
"That is conclusive," I remarked.
"It is remarkably inconclusive to me," Lord Chelsford remarked grimly. "Whom else save one of your friends who are all upon the Board could you possibly wish to shield?"