"Quite certain, sir."
"That, I think, will be all."
"Thank you, sir," said the butler, rising. "Thank you for being so kind, and—and understanding, sir," and he walked a little unsteadily from the room.
"I was afraid you wouldn't get anything out of him, Mr. Sage," said
Inspector Carfon, with just a suspicion of relief in his voice.
"No," remarked Malcolm Sage quietly, "nothing new; but an important corroboration of the doctor's evidence."
"What was that?"
"That it was the murderer and not Professor McMurray who ate
Wednesday's breakfast, luncheon and dinner."
"Good Lord!" The inspector's jaw dropped in his astonishment.
"I suspect that for some reason or other he returned to the laboratory; that accounts for the rough marks upon the door-fastenings as if someone had first torn them off and then sought to replace them. After his second visit the murderer evidently stayed too long, and was afraid of being seen leaving the laboratory. He therefore remained until the following night, eating the professor's meals. Incidentally he knew all about his habits."
"Well, I'm blowed if he isn't a cool un!" gasped the inspector.