"Yes," said I, shortly. "I know it."
"You!" Both Major Temple and the detective turned and looked at me as though they could scarcely believe their ears.
"I know how Robert Ashton was killed, and I'm pretty sure I can explain the death of the dog as well. In fact, you came very near having a third mystery on your hands this morning, Sergeant." I smiled grimly.
"What do you mean?" asked the both of them, together.
"I slept in the green room last night," I replied, "and the thing that did for poor Ashton came very near doing for me as well." As I spoke, I felt my wounded head gently. "As it is, I fancy I will be all right, after the doctor has put a few stitches in my head, but it was a close call, I can tell you."
"You slept in the green room?" asked Major Temple in amazement. "What in the name of Heaven did you do that for?"
"To find out what happened to Ashton, and by the merest chance I did so. A little more one way, and you would never have known. And a little more the other," I added, "and I probably never should."
"Explain yourself, man," said the Major, somewhat testily. "What happened? Tell us about it, can't you?"
"I can and will," I said, slowly, "but not here. We must go there, before you can fully understand."
"Come on, then," said McQuade, and they both started toward the door.