Penfield looked up. “Why did you want your electric torch?”
“Because Doctor Curtis informed me that the lights were out,” replied Hollister concisely.
Penfield referred to his notes for a second. “When did you last see Mr. Gerald Armstrong?” he asked.
“When he left Meredith’s bedroom after witnessing the signing of the codicil.” Hollister gazed at his highly polished shoes and then about the room. “I left Miss Lucille Hull with Mr. Meredith a few minutes later and went to my room.”
“Were you aware that Mr. Armstrong intended to leave the house at once?” asked Penfield.
“No. On the contrary I supposed that he was still here, as we had all been asked to stay longer,” replied Hollister. “I had no idea that he had left last night until I went to find him early this morning, and was told by Herman that he had departed.”
Penfield turned and whispered a few words to the deputy coroner, who nodded attentively; then addressed the lawyer.
“That is all, Mr. Hollister, thank you.” And as the latter left the witness chair Doctor Mayo approached Curtis.
“Coroner Penfield has recalled you to the stand,” he said. “Allow me—”
But Curtis did not wait for the offered arm. With assured tread he made his way to the witness chair and waited for the coroner to address him.