Stillman seemed struck by this.
"In view of the fact that the building was entered by way of the scuttle," said he to Ashton-Kirk, "I consider that a most interesting piece of information."
"It may indeed prove so," was the non-committal reply.
Once more the discontented crease showed itself upon the coroner's forehead; and again as he turned to Brolatsky, his voice rose sharply.
"Next to Antonio Spatola, who came most to Hume's place while you were there?"
"The next most frequent caller," returned the clerk, "was Mr. Allan Morris."
Ashton-Kirk, glancing at Pendleton, saw him start.
"And who," queried the coroner, "is Mr. Allan Morris?"
"At first I took him to be a customer," replied Brolatsky. "And perhaps he was. He talked a great deal at times about engraved gems and would look at lists and works upon the subject. But somehow I got the notion that that was not just what he came for."
"What caused you to think that?" asked the coroner.