«I wish you would walk back with me when this is over,» he said.
«I should be delighted,» said Parker.
At this moment the jury returned and took their places, and there was a little rustle and hush. The Coroner addressed the foreman and enquired if they were agreed upon their verdict.
«We are agreed, Mr. Coroner, that deceased died of the effects of a blow upon the spine, but how that injury was inflicted we consider that there is not sufficient evidence to show.»
Mr. Parker and Sir Julian Freke walked up the road together.
«I had absolutely no idea until I saw Lady Levy this morning,» said the doctor, «that there was any idea of connecting this matter with the disappearance of Sir Reuben. The suggestion was perfectly monstrous, and could only have grown up in the mind of that ridiculous police officer. If I had had any idea what was in his mind I could have disabused him and avoided all this.»
«I did my best to do so,» said Parker, «as soon as I was called in to the Levy case — »
«Who called you in, if I may ask?» enquired Sir Julian.
«Well, the household first of all, and then Sir Reuben's uncle, Mr. Levy of Portman Square, wrote to me to go on with the investigation.»
«And now Lady Levy has confirmed those instructions?»