The firmness of his tone and the quiet manner in which he spoke disconcerted the Inspector, and he turned to Fletcher for advice.
“I have evidence,” said Fletcher “of the most compromising character, and in spite of what this man says I would strongly advise that he be detained, and brought before the Magistrates, where the whole matter can be gone into. I may add,” he said with meaning, “that I represent Scotland Yard in this matter.”
The Inspector was at a loss as to what to do; on the one hand he had a heavy respect for the Yard; on the other Halley’s manner had impressed him.
“Who are your witnesses?” he asked Halley.
“If you care to send for a certain Mr. Southgate of the Black Horse at Portham Village and his wife, they will both confirm what I have said. And there is a fisherman who also saw me there on that night. I merely say this in your own interests,” he added “for it does not bring the police force into good repute when they make wrongful arrests.”
The Inspector scratched his head in perplexity.
“I think, Mr. Fletcher,” he said “we had better either send for these witnesses, or wire for instructions from Scotland Yard.”
For the first time, serious doubts crossed Fletcher’s mind and he addressed Halley in a more conciliatory tone.
“But if you can prove an alibi, can you account for the fact that Brown is willing to swear an oath that it was you who were talking with Lord Reckavile immediately before his murder.”
Halley shrugged his shoulders. “It is not for me to prove my innocence,” he said, “but for you to prove my guilt. I am always to be found, I do not intend to run away, but you must have better evidence than you have at present before you can prove your case.”