"You said you wished to ask me a question! What is it?"
"I wish you to tell me who this woman is?"
"Was, I suppose you mean. She was Rose Mitchel."
"Ah! Did you know her?"
"I agreed to answer but one question. I have done so."
"You have admitted that you knew her."
"You will find it difficult to prove that."
"Oh, shall I? I have witnesses. Gentlemen, please come forward." A door at the farther end of the room opened, and two physicians entered. The detective continued, "What have you to say now?"
"That I am most profoundly indebted to you for having enabled me to prove what has happened, and also that you have so soon let me know that we are not alone." Mr. Barnes bit his lip at this taunt, and Mr. Mitchel, turning to the doctors, continued, "Gentlemen, I am delighted to know that you have overheard what has occurred. You may be called upon to give testimony. If you will remember, I think that you will admit that Mr. Barnes asked me who this woman is. Correcting his grammar I replied, 'She was Rose Mitchel.' Am I accurate?"
"Quite so," said one of the doctors.