In this Jen was wrong, but, as he was only an amateur detective, he cannot be blamed very severely for his negligence at this particular moment. He acted--as he thought--for the best, and therefore hastened to explain to Arkel the position of affairs before the return of Dr. Etwald. Afterward, when the matter of the accusation and arrest were settled, he intended to have speech with David, and insist upon an explanation of the young man's mysterious behavior. Thus did the situation present itself to his inexperienced eyes.
"Well, never mind Dr. Etwald just now," he said aloud, pointing to a chair. "He has his duties to perform, and I have mine. Sit down, Mr. Arkel. I suppose you wonder why I have sent for you?"
"Well; no, major. I presume it is in connection with the case."
"You are right. I wish to know if you have discovered anything new."
"Yes. Your messenger, Battersea, was wandering about your grounds on that night."
"Battersea!" cried Jen, thunderstruck. "Did he see the body carried off?"
"He did not see it taken out of the house," explained Arkel, referring to some notes which he held in his hand, "but he saw it put into the carriage."
"A carriage?"
"Yes, which was waiting in the winding lane at the foot of your grounds. Two people carried the body between them--a man and a woman--but Battersea cannot give me their names."
"I can, however," said Jen, grimly. "Oh, it is just as I thought."