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Rh violently abusive. His language was vulgar and even filthy. He attempted to strike me, and I defended myself. I was, in fact, a good deal alarmed, for he was, as you know, much bigger and heavier than I, and he was in a frenzy of rage. To my surprise, I may say my relief, I was able to resist him. I pushed him off—really, you know, it seemed quite easy—and the hand-rail behind him gave way and he fell into the water. As he fell he called out, 'You scoundrel, you have murdered me!' I can only suppose he was not responsible for his actions."

"Much obliged," said Lomas. "I'm afraid you've had a distressing time."

"It has been a remarkable experience," said Sandford. "May I ask if there is any reason why I should not return to town?"

"No, no." Lomas looked at him queerly. "You have an uncommon cool head. They'll want your evidence at the inquest, of course. But it's fair to say I quite accept your story."

"I am obliged to you," said Sandford, in a tone of surprise, as if he could not conceive that any one should not. "I am told there is a train at 3.35. Good afternoon."

"One moment. One moment," said Reggie. "Do you know of any reason in the world Kimball had to hate you?"

"Certainly not," said Sandford, in offended dignity. "Our relations were short and wholly official.