“Why, sah, ’twasn’t Miss Derwent he was calling on; ’twas Mrs. Atkins.” This was a surprise; even the detective seemed interested.
“So it was Mrs. Atkins he had been calling on,” exclaimed the Coroner.
“No, sah; it were Mrs. Atkins he gwine ter call on. He only come at a quarter to ten. He wouldn’t send up his card; said he’s ’spected.”
“And did Mrs. Atkins receive him?”
“Yes, sah.”
“Do you remember at what time he left?”
“No, sah; I didn’t see him go out.”
“Now, Joe, there was another gentleman calling in the building on that evening. When did he leave?”
Joe seemed bewildered. “I didn’t see no other gem’man, sah.”
“Now, my lad, try and remember!”