“I saw you,” said Collins coolly. “It would cost you your place if it were known, but I shan’t tell any tales.”
“Thanks,” said Sinclair simply. It was a little weakness he had.
They took the body carefully into the dining-room, and left it with the doctor.
“Now for the housekeeper,” said Sinclair.
“Mrs. Simmons, will you come here, please?”
The woman came in very distressed, and seated herself, at a word from Collins.
“Now, Mrs. Simmons,” he said in kind tones, “Can you throw any light on this affair? Please calm yourself and tell us all you know.”
After a prolonged examination, the following facts were elicited, which are better put together.
The Home Secretary was a widower. He had one daughter, Mabel, who lived with him. She had gone down to their country place in Devonshire, from which he had come the day before, and he intended to return the next day. The servants had gone, leaving Mrs. Simmons to look after Sir James.
He had been at his Office all the morning, returning for lunch. He was a solitary man and shunned company.