"In the street, perhaps—or in a house. I don't remember."
"I beg that you make the effort to remember."
"I cannot," said Renwick after a pause.
"You must."
"My mind is clouded."
The magistrate exchanged a glance with the nurse, who stood at the head of the bed, and spoke to her. "This man talks to you quite rationally?"
Fräulein Roth hesitated and then said: "Yes. But he has been very ill. I should suggest that you excuse him where possible."
"H—m! This is a matter of great seriousness. A police officer has been murdered by a person or persons unknown. This man was found near his body, both of them left for dead. It is not possible that he can have forgotten the circumstances—the fight, the shooting which preceded his unconsciousness." And then to Renwick—"You knew Nicholas Szarvas?"
"No."
"I would remind you that this is the man who was found dead beside you."