Alec quietly took from his pocket the case of an exploded cartridge. It could only have fitted a revolver.
'This was found about two yards from the body and was brought to me this evening.'
'I don't know what that proves.'
'You know just as well as I do that none of the natives has a revolver. Beside ourselves only one or two of the servants have them.'
George took his handkerchief from his pocket and wiped his face. His throat was horribly dry, and he could hardly breathe.
'Will you give me your revolver,' said Alec, quietly.
'I haven't got it. I lost it this afternoon when we made that sortie. I didn't tell you as I thought you'd get in a wax about it.'
'I saw you cleaning it less than an hour ago,' said Alec, gravely.
George shrugged his shoulders pettishly.
'Perhaps it's in my tent. I'll go and see.'