“I went out about four this afternoon and did not get back till just before eight.”
“You weren’t near enough at any time during the evening to have heard a shot? This is a shooting case, you know.”
Leslie shook his head.
“I went for a long tramp across country. Unless it was done just after four or just before eight I couldn’t have heard anything.”
“An unusual time at which to take a walk, Mr. Leslie.”
The Sergeant’s voice was noncommittal, but Leslie felt himself flush.
“I was too busy to go before and I needed exercise,” he said shortly.
“You can account for your time, I suppose? I must ask you to think carefully . . .”
Leslie broke in on him. His nerves had already been badly jarred by the events of the evening and the man’s manner was beginning to annoy him.
“Good Heavens, man, you’re not going to tell me that anything I may say may be used against me? You’re welcome to what I can tell you, but it isn’t much. I never saw this lady before in my life till I came in at eight and found her in my room. How she got here I’ve no idea. You surely don’t think I’ve murdered her!”