“You parted where?”
“In Port Said. I went on to Palestine, while he returned to Naples.”
“En route to England?”
“I believe so.”
“On what day did you yourself reach London?”
“On the day of the murder.”
“When did you next see the prisoner?”
“He lunched with me at the Mahl Stick Club on the same day.”
“That will do,” said Mr. Rolland, somewhat to the surprise of the Court. “I have no further questions to ask you.”
It was at this point that the great sensation of the day occurred. When Fensden had taken his place once more, Detective-sergeant Gunson was called, and a tall, handsome man, with a short, brown beard entered the box. He stated that his name was Gunson, and that he was a member of the Scotland Yard detective force. Two days previous, accompanied by Detective-sergeant McVickers, he had paid a visit to the prisoner’s residence, Detwich Hall, in the county of Midlandshire. They had made a systematic search of the building, with the result that, hidden away behind a bookcase in the studio, they had discovered a long knife of Oriental workmanship and design. The blade was of razor-like sharpness, and was covered with certain dark stains. He found nothing else of an incriminating nature. Detective-sergeant McVickers was next called, who corroborated his companion’s evidence.