"I am quite aware of that, thank you. You will probably cover the distance much quicker than I did. The garage that had my distinguished patronage, by the way, is the big one on the right as you drive down the main street. Not the one on the left, remember; they won't know anything about me there."
"How long did it take you to cover those forty miles?" inquired Harding.
"Do I subtract the time spent changing a flat tyre, and tinkering with the plugs?"
"From door to door, please."
"Two hours," said Francis, putting out the stub of his cigarette.
"Do you say that from conviction, Captain Billington-Smith, or to gratify me?"
"My felicitations, Inspector: you are becoming quite human. From conviction. I had the curiosity to look at my watch. I arrived at Bramhurst at half past twelve. I can even tell you what I had for lunch."
"I don't think I'll trouble you to do that, thank you. Are you staying here for the inquest, may I ask?"
"Oh, I think so, certainly. I shouldn't like to miss anything," said Francis.
"Then I won't keep you any longer now," said Harding, rising to his feet.