“I did not really notice the car, Inspector,” he said at last. “I was watching the men. I should say that it was certainly a closed car and not a large one; I think it was dark in colour.”

“You did not notice whether it was driven by a man or a woman—or a chauffeur?”

“I’m afraid I didn’t.”

“Did anything strike you about the way it was driven—was it slower than was natural on such a road? Did it go very near the two gentlemen?”

Mr. Smythe shook his head.

“I’m afraid I didn’t notice anything special—it certainly wasn’t going very fast.”

“Would you say it was a saloon, or a coupé, or just an open car with the hood up?”

“I should say certainly not the latter; probably it was a small saloon—but it might have been a coupé. I couldn’t really be sure.”

“Could you swear it was not an open car with the hood up?”

“Not swear, no—I didn’t notice particularly enough; but I have a very strong impression that it was not.”