“I understand that they have had brokers in the house?”
“Yes, but they were paid off.”
“Where did the money come from?”
“That was all right. His pension was due. They have not shown any sign of being in funds.”
“What explanation did she give of having answered the bell when Mr. Phelps rang for the coffee?”
“She said that her husband was very tired and she wished to relieve him.”
“Well, certainly that would agree with his being found a little later asleep in his chair. There is nothing against them then but the woman’s character. Did you ask her why she hurried away that night? Her haste attracted the attention of the police constable.”
“She was later than usual and wanted to get home.”
“Did you point out to her that you and Mr. Phelps, who started at least twenty minutes after her, got home before her?”
“She explains that by the difference between a ‘bus and a hansom.”
“Did she make it clear why, on reaching her house, she ran into the back kitchen?”
“Because she had the money there with which to pay off the brokers.”
“She has at least an answer for everything. Did you ask her whether in leaving she met any one or saw any one loitering about Charles Street?”
“She saw no one but the constable.”
“Well, you seem to have cross-examined her pretty thoroughly. What else have you done?”
“The clerk Gorot has been shadowed all these nine weeks, but without result. We can show nothing against him.”