“I’ll tell you with pleasure,” answered Joel politely. “I walked about my brother’s extensive grounds or sat in quiet contemplation. What a lucky fellow he is to preserve so much of nature from contamination, gentlemen!”
“You took your lunch with you?”
“Oh, yes. I was away almost all day and did not return until evening began to close in.”
“What time did you return, Mr. Harrison?”
“I have no idea. It’s no matter anyway.”
“Can you tell us through what door you entered the house when you came home?”
This question seemed to catch Joel’s full attention. He looked at Landis.
“I cannot see how that is of the slightest importance!” he replied.
“It is important!” snapped Bernard. “We want to know and we want to know at once, Harrison!”