The detective replaced the sheet over the face of the dead: and prepared, as did the doctor, to leave the room. They turned down the gas and departed; but while descending the stairs, Renshaw asked Fanks a question.
"Are you satisfied that my explanation is a correct one?" he demanded.
"I am perfectly satisfied," said Fanks, looking directly at the man.
Strange to say, this unhesitating acceptance appeared to render Renshaw uneasy; and the flow of his magnificent speech broke up in confusion.
"I may be wrong," he muttered. "We are all liable to error; but such as it is, that is my opinion."
"You would be willing to repeat that opinion at the inquest, Doctor?"
Renshaw drew back with a shudder.
"Is it necessary that I should go to the inquest?" he asked faintly.
"I think so," replied Fanks significantly. "You were the first to see the corpse. You will have to describe the state in which you found it. Your address if you please?"
"Twenty-four, Great Auk Street," said Renshaw, after some hesitation. "I am staying there at present."