Villiers nodded.
"Yes; the moonlight was streaming in at the window, and I could see quite plainly. I was in a fright, as I thought, seeing I had no business on the premises, I might be accused, so I got down from the window and went off, closing the gate of the alley after me."
"It wasn't wise of you to stay about the premises," said Naball.
"I know that," rejoined Villiers tartly; "but I couldn't get away, because I saw Stewart coming up the street just as I was wondering where to go; I then pretended to be drunk, so that I could get away without suspicion."
"Why didn't you run?" asked Naball.
"Because he was too close, and besides, he might have given chase, thinking I had been robbing the shop; then, with the open window and the murdered man, it would have been all up with me."
"I don't know if it isn't all up with you now," said Naball drily. "How do I know you are innocent!"
"Because I know who killed Lazarus."
"The deuce you do--who?"
"Stewart himself."