"Never saw him before?"
"Never. Mr. Ashton offered him a place in his motor, on his way to my house. On account of the storm, he stopped there and remained over night."
"It is supposed that this murder had as a motive the securing of a valuable emerald in Mr. Ashton's possession. When Mr. Ashton first exhibited it to you, was Mr. Morgan present?"
"He was."
"Did he know the value of the jewel?"
"I do not know. I think the matter was mentioned at the table."
"You had agreed to give your daughter's hand in marriage to Mr. Ashton, in return for obtaining for you this jewel. Is that true?"
"Yes," the Major faltered.
"Was your daughter opposed to this arrangement?"
"She was."