The barrister shook his head. "I can't say," he replied in a tired tone. "I heard a noise—three heavy blows struck in this room—as I told you, when seated in the drawing-room. I did not know that anyone was in the flat."
"What time did your servants go to assist at the ball?"
"Shortly before nine o'clock, when the dinner was over."
"You had dinner then?"
"Oh yes. I came from the Court worn out, and slept for a long time. I then had a light dinner."
"Agstone could not have been at the table then—under it I mean?"
"I think not," said the barrister slowly; "it is not a large table as you see. I would either have heard him, or I should have felt him with my feet."
"Your servants may have left the outer door ajar."
Shepworth nodded. "Perhaps. You can question them. But after dining I returned to the drawing-room before nine o'clock."
"And you did not re-enter this room until you came to see what the three heavy blows meant?"