CHAPTER XXV
STATEMENT OF DAMAR GREEFE, M.D.
The speaker reeled and seemed about to fall. Whereupon Gatton sprang forward and placed an armchair, which he himself had occupied, for Dr. Damar Greefe. The latter inclined his head in acknowledgment and sank down weakly, clutching at both arms of the chair.
For my own part, I had not yet recovered power of speech; but:
"Dr. Damar Greefe," said the Inspector, closely watching the man who sat there collapsed in the chair, "I arrest you on a charge of murder. I have to warn you that anything you now say will be used in evidence against you."
The Eurasian exerted a supreme effort, straightening his gaunt body, and fixing the gaze of those hawk eyes upon Inspector Gatton. When he spoke his harsh voice had gained strength and his manner was imperious.
"Detective-Inspector Gatton," he replied, "you do no more than your duty. I have come here only with the utmost difficulty in my weak state. Therefore, you need apprehend no attempt at escape on my part. I have come with a purpose. This purpose I shall fulfill; after which"—he shrugged his square shoulders—"I shall be at your service."
"Very good," said Gatton shortly, but I noted that his face was flushed in a way which betokened repressed excitement.
Giving me a significant glance, he went out to the ante-room, and:
"Sydenham 1448," I heard him call.
Damar Greefe closed his eyes and lay back in the chair; and a moment later: