Lionel Hammerton said he had no objection to the policeman’s theorising. He certainly was the first on the spot; and there was blood upon the coat which he had just been informed the policeman had sent for to the hall.
It was well Earl Verner had long since left the court and knew nothing of this, or there would have been a fierce struggle between the leading authorities.
The points which stood out most prominently in the inquiry were the facts that the deceased had come to Montem on some business with his sister the Countess; that in the twilight they walked out to converse; that Lionel Hammerton, on returning from Brazencrook, instead of going into the house, goes towards the ruin by the nearest route; that no more is heard or seen of Lady Verner; that by-and-by a pistol is fired off, and Hammerton is found supporting the body of the deceased; that there is evidence of a struggle, though a brief one; that Hammerton can give no reason for going towards the ruin except that he saw two figures; that nobody can throw any light upon the nature of the business between the deceased and his sister; that the visit was altogether a peculiar one, the deceased leaving his luggage at the Verner Arms at first, and then sending for it, as though he were not certain of a kind reception at the Castle; that neither paper nor notes are found upon him; that his pocket-book is missing, though his watch and purse, containing gold, remain. If the deceased was murdered the crime had been one, not prompted suddenly by robbery so much as by revenge, or a robbery of papers or letters of some kind which might be more valuable than money.
The inquest was adjourned, and in the evening Lord Verner and his brother had a long, serious talk in the library; but it consisted chiefly of speculations about Tallant’s death, and the Earl firmly believed that he had committed suicide.
“What figures did you see, Lionel?—Her ladyship must have returned into the house, poor soul, for her maid tells me she had a terrible headache, and came in very soon after she brought her shawl and hat.”
“No doubt,” said Lionel, “it could not have been her ladyship.”
Poor fellow, what was he to say! “What a tangled thread we weave, when first we practise to deceive!” One lie led to another; with that awful suspicion burning in his heart,—and it would not go, despite all his efforts—Lionel’s chief aim was to shield the Countess.
“You heard voices, you say?”
“Yes.”
“Were you listening to them, or what?”