"That I cannot say. I suppose I must have forgotten it somewhere. I simply know that I have not had it in my possession for some little time. I had missed it, but supposed it would eventually turn up and be returned to me, as my name was on it."
"Please search your memory, Mr. Lawrence, as to the last time you had it in your possession."
Lawrence looked thoughtful.
"I remember that I had it last Wednesday when I was in the State Library, because I used it to reach a book on the top shelf."
"Did you leave it there?"
"I am under the impression that I took it away with me, but I have a careless habit of forgetting canes and umbrellas, and I had an exciting debate with Mr. Fullerton just before I left the room."
"With Warren Fullerton?"
"Yes."
"Did you leave the library with him?"
"No, I left alone. He was still there."