“Yes. I hadn’t thought of that, but it is as true as gospel.”
“But—although you are equally positive that you locked your desk before you left the house to attend the banquet—yet you are certain that when you entered your room after having fallen asleep on the piazza and remained there approximately half an hour, you saw Ramon Orizaba standing at your open desk. Now is there a possibility that you are mixed about that part of the story? Remember, you were not sober at the time.”
“Nevertheless, I do not think I am mistaken about it. Of course it is possible that I am deceived, but I do not think so.”
“Now, supposing you to be correct on that point, have you any idea why Orizaba was searching your desk?”
“Not an idea in the world.”
“Had he, to your knowledge, ever done such a thing as that before?”
“No; never—at least, not that I have suspected.”
“Have you ever had reason to suppose that any person has opened your desk in your absence?”
“N-n-no.”
“You seem to hesitate in your answer.”