"If either of them could?"...

"It might make a difference to the evidence--but I'm not sure."

"What time is your appointment?"

"Ten o'clock," replied Dunbar. "I am meeting Mr. Debnam--the late Mr.
Vernon's solicitor. There is something in it. Damme! I am sure of it!"

"Something in what?"

"The fact that Mr. Vernon died yesterday evening, and that his wife was
murdered at midnight."

"What have you told the press?"

"As little as possible, but you will see that the early editions will
all be screaming for the arrest of Soames."

"I shouldn't wonder. He would be a useful man to have; but he's probably
out of London now."

"I think not. He's more likely to wait for instructions from his
principal."

"His principal?"

"Certainly. You don't think Soames did the murder, do you?"