Now convinced of his identity, Medora Royal hastened to admit him to a reception-room, the door of which Nick quietly closed.
“Our interview must be very brief, Miss Royal, for I wish to have a look at the evidence out yonder before it is seriously disturbed,” said he, declining a chair. “First, however, state anything that you know of the affair.”
“I know but very little, sir, save that it is most dreadful,” said the girl, pale and agitated.
“That is true, Miss Royal, but I wish to get at the superficial facts as quickly as possible.”
“If you will question me, sir, perhaps I more readily can——”
“I will do so,” interposed Nick, appreciating her nervous excitement. “Tell me when and by whom the body was discovered?”
“About eight o’clock, sir, and by a young man who is employed here as a gardener.”
“It is that of Cecil Kendall?”
“Alas, yes.”
“Dead?”