"Some people," said Mr. Amberley carefully, "consider that all murderers are maniacs."
"You rang for me, sir?"
The sergeant looked round. "I want to ask you a few questions," he said. "You come inside and shut the door."
The butler obeyed. "Yes, Sergeant?"
Out came the notebook. "What time was it when you saw Collins last?" asked the sergeant.
The butler answered promptly: "At twenty minutes past seven."
"Oh! What makes you so sure?"
"Collins himself drew attention to the time, Sergeant, and said he must go up to lay Mr. Fountain's dress clothes out."
From the other end of the room Amberley spoke. "You didn't see him leave the house?"
"I did not, sir. He must have gone during dinner while I was engaged in waiting."