"Lord Dredlinton is dead," he announced in a shocked tone.
"I feared so," Wingate murmured.
"Will you call in some servants?" the doctor went on. "I should like the body carried into his lordship's bedroom at once."
Grant appeared, quickly followed by two of his subordinates. The melancholy little procession left the room, and Shields turned to follow it. As he reached the door, he hesitated and glanced around towards Wingate.
"Mr. Wingate," he said, "I wish to hear what the doctor has to say concerning Lord Dredlinton's death, but I also wish to have another word with you before you leave the house. Can I rely upon your waiting here for me?"
"I give you my word," Wingate promised.
"I shall also require some explanation," the inspector continued, turning to Phipps—
"Explanation be damned!" the latter interrupted furiously. "If you want to know the truth about the whole business—"
He broke off suddenly. His eyes seemed fascinated by the slow entry of
Wingate's hand to his pocket. He kicked a footstool sullenly on one side.
The inspector, after waiting for a moment, turned away.
"In due season," he concluded, "I shall require to hear the truth from both of you gentlemen. You seem to have given Scotland Yard a great deal of unnecessary trouble."