The butler lowered his voice again.
"I could have sworn, Mr. John, it was that Doctor Twist who came over here the other day from Healthward Ho."
"Doctor Twist!"
"Yes, Mr. John. I didn't tell the policeman just now, and I wouldn't tell anybody but you, because after all it was only a glimpse, as you might say, and I couldn't swear to it, and there's defamation of character to be considered. So I didn't mention it to Mr. Mould when he was inquiring of me. I said I'd heard nothing, being in my bed at the time. Because, apart from defamation of character and me not being prepared to swear on oath, I wasn't sure how Mr. Carmody would like the idea of my going to the dining-room cellarette even though in agonies of pain. So I'd be much obliged if you would not mention it to him, Mr. John."
"I won't."
"Thank you, sir."
"You'd better leave me to think this over, Sturgis."
"Very good, Mr. John."
"You were quite right to tell me."
"Thank you, Mr. John. Are you coming downstairs to finish your breakfast, sir?"