There was a decided sneer in the reply.
“Mr. Gay has told us a number of things. How many of them were truth remains to be seen.”
As Nick said this, he did not fail to notice that Redway seemed pleased with the latter part of the sentence.
“The two men are enemies, if not openly, then unavowed,” thought Nick. To Redway he said:
“We have called you in here to get your version or story of the tragedy so far as you are willing to give it.”
“Willing to give it? What do you mean?”
“Why, this: I am a detective; this is the coroner; you are a lawyer. This is not an inquest, nor yet a preliminary hearing; you are not under oath. There may be circumstances about the death of that girl which you do not desire to tell. Indeed, it might be to your interest not to talk of it at all.”
Redway looked at Nick long and steadily. At last he said:
“I think I understand you. You believe I killed her?”
“I have no belief one way or the other.[{19}] It is my business to prove, to know, not to believe.”