“I had suppered up Hector after Captain Hammerton had returned from Brazencrook, and I was just leaving the stable when I heard a gun or pistol fired off, and somebody shout. I went in the direction of the sounds, and there saw Mr. Tallant dead, and Captain Hammerton holding his head up.”
“Very good,” said the officer.
“Will you kindly explain what you know about it, Captain?”
“I heard the report of fire-arms,” said the Captain, “and hurrying to the spot, found the poor gentleman dying. He was not quite dead when I raised him up.”
“How far were you away from the spot, sir?”
“A hundred yards, perhaps.”
“You were near the ruin, then?”
“Yes; by the keep.”
“Had you been there long?”
“Only a short time.”