"I beg your pardon," said Quex, seeing that the old gentleman was fuming, and seeing also that such a senile creature, with so sheeplike a face, was innocent enough, "but it is my duty to be suspicious."
"But not to accuse innocent people of a crime, sir."
"No. But, for the sake of an example, will you tell me what you did with yourself since leaving the drawing-room last night at ten?"
"Certainly. I have no reason to conceal my doings, officer," said Mr. Granger, angrily. "I retired to my bedroom at ten and to bed. The last I saw of Madame she was standing on the door-step bidding farewell to her guests. In the morning I was awakened by the news of the murder, and went out to walk off the horror produced by the sight of that poor woman."
"Did you see the body?"
"We all saw the body, till Miss Bull----"
"I turned them out and locked the door," put in Miss Bull, sharply.
"It was as well that nothing should be disturbed in the room till the police arrived. That was my argument."
"And a very good one," said Quex, approvingly. "You have a head on your shoulders, Miss."
"My father was a general," replied the old maid, nodding, "and I inherit his talent for organization."