“To some extent, yes.”
“You were about the grounds in the afternoon?”
“Yes, sir. I remember now that I sat on the side porch a long time, looking over the lawn and garden on that side of the house.”
“You observed no strangers about?”
“No, sir. Say! Two men came up from the station and passed the house shortly after the departure of the messenger who had delivered the diamonds. They passed on about two hundred yards, and then turned toward the depot. I did not see them again.”
“What sort of appearing men were they?”
“I remember now that their dress and manner gave me the impression that they were sailors.”
“The sheriff has charge of the case, I presume?”
“Sheriff Walton is there in person. He was notified quite early this morning at Anton’s request.”