"Carfon, you've made a fool of yourself."
The inspector started back in his chair as if someone had struck him.
"I gave you a description of the man who had killed Professor McMurray; yet you proceed to build up a fantastical case against this poor devil."
"But——" began the inspector. He was interrupted by the door being burst violently open and Sir John Dene shot into the room.
For a moment he stood staring at the two men, Gladys Norman and
William Johnson framed in the doorway behind him.
"Sir Jasper's killed himself," he cried.
"Moses' aunt!" cried the inspector, starting to his feet.
Malcolm Sage sat immovable at his table, his eyes upon his outstretched hands. Slowly looking up he motioned to Miss Norman to close the door, then nodded towards a chair into which Sir John Dene sank. The inspector resumed his own seat. It was obvious that the news had considerably shaken him.
"You knew?" Sir John Dene interrogated, his voice a little unsteady.
"I expected it," said Malcolm Sage quietly. "But how, Mr. Sage?" enquired Inspector Carfon in a whisper, his throat dry with excitement.