"Shall we say about ten minutes' walk?"
"Yes. That's about it."
Obviously the judge was puzzled. "Mr. Cavendish," he intervened, "I'm afraid I don't quite follow."
"M' lord," every syllable of Ronnie's fell with its distinct emphasis, "the point is of vital importance in connection with the evidence of a previous witness." And he went on swiftly to ask the book-maker, "Do you know a woman called Maggie Peterson?"
"Oh, yes." The white teeth under the black mustache parted in a grin. "Oh, yes, I know her quite well."
"Mrs. Peterson told us in her evidence that she was a friend of the deceased. Is that true?"
"Oh, yes, they were quite friendly."
"Very friendly?"
"Yes."
"Ah!" Ronnie, glancing covertly at the jury, saw a little ripple of excitement pass over the stolid faces of the men. Behind him, among the barristers, he could hear excited breathing. "Now, just one more question, Mr. Hodges, and then I have finished with you. Have you ever seen Mrs. Peterson in company with William Towers at 'The Red Lion'?"