'No,' said Brighthurst with a slight smile; 'nor was the crime committed in London. The victim was an American gentleman of the name of Foster.'
Miss Montressor turned deadly pale, and set down untasted the glass she was in the act of raising to her lips.
'What name did you say, Brighthurst?' said Duval, turning quickly to him. 'Foster, an American? Where was the murder committed?'
'In Liverpool,' said Brighthurst. 'He had been staying at the Adelphi Hotel.'
'Great Heavens,' cried Duval, 'this is most terrific!'
Miss Montressor buried her face in her handkerchief, and sobbed silently.
'What is the meaning of this?' asked Mr. Van Buren, while a look of inquiry passed round the table.
'The meaning is simply that this unfortunate gentleman was well known to me and all my party. He took a great interest in theatricals, and actually accompanied us to Liverpool to see the last of us before we sailed. It must have been about that time that his murder took place.'
'It was within a day or two of your sailing,' said Mr. Brighthurst.
'But what was the name of the assassin? What was the motive for his crime? For God's sake, my dear fellow, tell us more about it!' cried Bryan.