"Right down to Dukesfield?"
"That I do not know. I went home to bed myself."
This was a lie, as Ellis shrewdly guessed, but the Austrian carried it off with an air which showed that he was an adept at falsehood.
"When did you hear of the murder?"
"I saw it next day in the papers."
"Then why did you not go to Dukesfield to help Mrs. Moxton?"
"Why should I?" said Zirknitz, with a charming smile. "Murder is not pleasant. I don't like such things. And I might have got into trouble. I do not mind saying, doctor, that mine has been a life of adventure, and I care not for the police."
"You are afraid," said Ellis, wondering at the selfishness and brutal candour of the confession.
"Certainement! I am afraid. Oh, think badly of me if you like. I am so bad that I can be no worse. But I shall help my sister over the money."
"Because you hope to get some?"