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204 The coroner stared in astonishment.

“You don’t mean”

“I mean that I have nothing to say,” repeated Drysdale, this time in a firmer tone.

“Oh, come, Jack,” burst out Delroy, “don’t be so obstinate. Tell us where you were. Of course I know you didn’t murder Graham.”

“Thank you, Dickie,” and Drysdale looked at him gratefully. “I didn’t do it; I’m ready to swear that by any oath you please. But I can’t tell you or anybody where I was.”

“Don’t let any little secret stand in the way,” protested Delroy. “This isn’t the time”

“I can’t tell,” repeated Drysdale firmly.

“Do you persist in t’at decision?” asked the coroner sharply.

“I certainly do.”

“T’en,” said Heffelbower, rising in his turn, “in t’e name of t’e law, I shall haf to arrest you. Please finish your dressing.”

“Very well,” returned Drysdale composedly, and set about his toilet, while Delroy watched him in a kind of dazed perplexity. It took but a few moments. “I’m ready,” he said.

“Jack!” cried Delroy again, but the other stopped him with a gesture.

“Don’t worry, Dickie,” he said. “I didn’t do it. They can’t convict me. I’m not in the least afraid.”

Heffelbower took the key from the door and transferred it to the outside.

“I’ll haf to lock up t’is room,” he said. “It will haf to be searched.”