"
"I believe I could put my hand on the murderer this very minute," said
Robinson vindictively.
Elkin laughed, somewhat half-heartedly.
"Lay you fifty to one against the time," he said. "I'm the only one near
enough for that limit, you know."
The policeman realized that he had allowed annoyance to shake his wits.
He looked at Elkin rather sharply, and noticed that the horse-breeder
seemed to be nervous and ill.
"I didn't quite mean that I could grab my man this minute," he said,
"but, if I can guess him, it amounts to nearly the same thing. What have
you been doing to yourself, Mr. Elkin? You look peeky to-day."
"Too much whiskey and tobacco. I'll call at Siddle's for a 'pick-me-up.'
Am I wanted for the jury?"
"Yes. I left a notice at your place last evening."
"I didn't get it."
"Been away?"
"No. Fact is, I went home late, and didn't bother about letters this
morning. What time is the inquest?"
"Three o'clock, in the club-room of the Hare and Hounds."
"Will that fellow, Grant, be there?"
"Rather. Dr. Foxton warned him yesterday."
"Good! What about Doris Martin? Will she be a witness?"
"Not to-day."
They were entering the village, and could see down the long, wide slope
of the hill.
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