His evidence was brief, technical, and, to the general public, very uninteresting. The Chief Inspector asked him no questions, but the Coroner was inspired to ask if he was able to give an opinion on the probable time of Warrenby's death.
Dr. Rotherhope was swift to seize opportunity. “No, sir,” he replied. “A considerable time had—unfortunately—elapsed before I saw the body.”
He then stood down, bearing the appearance of a man who considered the morning not wholly wasted; and the Chief Inspector rose to ask for an adjournment.
Colonel Scales, seeking him a few minutes later, found only Inspector Harbottle, who said, in answer to his enquiry: “I don't know where he is, sir. He slid out of the court as soon as he'd asked for an adjournment, and he didn't tell me where he was going. Though I fancy I know what he was after. Did you want to see him for anything special, sir?”
“No—only to ask whether he's had the report on those bullets.”
“Yes, sir, it came through this morning. None of the markings correspond at all.”
“Oh! That's disappointing. What does he mean to do now?”
“I can't tell you that, sir. He didn't say, but I don't think he's disappointed.”
“Well, I daresay I shall be seeing him later,” said the Colonel, passing on.
Sergeant Carsethorn said: “What did he slip off so quickly for?”