“Your appearance was that of a sick man when the inspector suggested the directory,” said Nick dryly.
Wright gave Nick a look of hatred which was met with a scornful smile on the face of the detective.
“How did you come to make that mistake?” asked the inspector.
“I just made a slip of the tongue,” answered the man.
“I understand you were at the place where the rioting occurred to-day, and that you were the man that had a rope and wanted to lynch the man who had shot his wife. Is that not true?”
“I was not near the place where the trouble was, I can assure you. I only heard of the trouble in a most casual way.”
“You are perfectly sure of that statement?” persisted the inspector, as he looked at Nick.
“I have already answered that question,” said Wright angrily.
“What would you say if I were to bring a dozen people here that would swear that they saw you there?”
“It would not make any difference to me if you brought a thousand. I could bring twenty or more that will testify that I did not leave my store until I came here with your man.”