Under the circumstances, Bruce thought that this stranger from America had a right to know why he was in danger of being arrested during his first twenty-four hours’ residence in the country, so he gave him a succinct narrative of the prima facie case against Mensmore.
Corbett listened in silence to the recital. When it ended he said:
“Mr. Bruce, my friend was incapable of murdering any woman. He was equally incapable of conducting any discreditable liaison with any woman. I have known him for years, and a straighter, truer, more honorable man I never met. I don’t know what his reason was for assuming my name, which he undoubtedly did, as the agent called this morning, and I find the flat is taken in my name.”
“What did you say?”
“Oh, just that Mensmore had acted for me. The man seemed a bit puzzled, but he didn’t kick when I offered to pay up the rent owing since Christmas, and another quarter in advance.”
“I don’t suppose he did. The rent was due, then?”
“Yes. It seems that Mensmore, writing in my name, sent a letter from Monte Carlo a month ago, saying he would return about this time and settle up.”
“Thus proving his intention all along to come back to London. It is a queer muddle, Mr. Corbett, is it not?”
“Very; but you will pardon me, as an outsider, saying one thing—you all appear to have overlooked a clear trail.”