"That's just what I hope you will do, sir. I can see we shall get along fine. All I want you to tell me is what time it was when you arrived at the doctor's house on Sunday?"
"But, my friend, I have told already once! It was at five minutes to five."
"And how did you happen to know that, sir?"
The Prince shrugged. "I was too early. The doctor was not in, and when I looked at the time I found it was not then five o'clock. It is very simple! The housekeeper will uphold me, for we spoke of the time together."
"Yes," said the Inspector mildly. "She said she remembered it distinctly, on account of your showing her your watch."
"Did I? It may well have been so."
"I wonder if I might have a look at that watch of yours, sir?"
"But certainly!" The Prince extended his wrist.
The Inspector glanced at his own watch. "Thank you, sir. Do you find it keeps good time? They tell me those fancy ones very often don't."
"Excellent time. You would say that I was not at Dr Chester's house before five? Is that it, may I ask?"