It seemed to be rather a doubtful compliment, though, under the circumstances, so the latter only nodded nonchalantly, and refrained from comment himself.
“There’s absolutely no doubt about this being Shapiro, the man that’s wanted, sir,” said Ellis. “I saw the other man, Wilks, who’s lying sick up at the hotel, this morning. He confirms this man’s identity, and admits everything. I’ll take you up to see him later.”
Presently the coroner straightened himself up.
“All right!” he said. “I guess I’m through here, if you are, Inspector. Let’s go and view the other body at the house the Sergeant speaks of.”
They turned to go, and Ellis locked the door again.
“Oh, Benton!” said the Inspector, in a low tone, beckoning him aside. “Just a minute.”
With a slightly uncomfortable presentiment of what was coming, the former obeyed.
There was a moment’s silence, while the Inspector eyed him keenly, but not unkindly.
“I understand this isn’t the first man you’ve shot and killed in the execution of your duty, Sergeant, since you’ve been in this Division,” he said.
Ellis bowed his head in assent.