"That is the only reasonable inference."
"It is a most unreasonable inference," said Britz.
"Why?"
"Because it does not explain why Mr. Whitmore should have tried to give his death the aspect of suicide. Moreover, had he been shot by an outsider, the police would have been notified at once. As a final reason for discarding any theory that he was shot by someone outside of the four persons whom you represent, I mention the silence which they have so consistently maintained."
"They have done so by my advice," said the lawyer.
"And do you still advise them to remain silent?"
"I do, except as to proving an alibi."
"You deem that sufficient?"
"I do. It is all that would be required before a jury."
"I suppose that you have effectually silenced the physician who attended Mr. Whitmore," said Britz, "and I know that the servant in Mr. Beard's house was permitted to spend the night in question with his parents in Newark. So there is nothing left but to ask Mr. Beard to tell us who killed Mr. Whitmore."