Page:Richard Marsh--The goddess a demon.djvu/50

38 "I see, now, what you mean."

"I am glad of that; perhaps your mental faculties are beginning to move. I suppose these clothes are Lawrence's?"

"I can prove that; he was wearing them when I saw him last"

"Oh, he was, was he. When did you see him last?"

"Last night."

Hume glanced quickly up at me.

"Last night? At what time?"

I considered for a moment.

"I don't remember particularly noticing, but I should say that it was about half-past eleven when I left him, or perhaps a little after."

"Half-past eleven? Then I should say that within an hour of that time he was dead; perhaps within less than an hour. That's very odd."

"Why is it odd?"

"Was he alone when you left him?"

"He was."

"Did you part on friendly terms?"

The question took me somewhat aback; it was not one which it was easy to answer.

"May I ask why you inquire?"

"My dear Ferguson, it is a question which some one will put to you. You should be prepared with an answer. It seems rather