preferred to sit in the library in the evenings. That evening he only remained
with Mrs. Manderson for a few minutes. Then he and Mr. Marlowe started
immediately.'

'You saw them start?'

'Yes, sir. They took the direction of Bishopsbridge.'

'And you saw Mr. Manderson again later?'

'After an hour or thereabouts, sir, in the library. That would have been about
a quarter past eleven, I should say; I had noticed eleven striking from the
church. I may say I am peculiarly quick of hearing, sir.'

'Mr. Manderson had rung the bell for you, I suppose. Yes? And what passed when
you answered it?'

'Mr. Manderson had put out the decanter of whisky and a syphon and glass, sir,
from the cupboard where he kept them--'

Trent held up his hand. 'While we are on that point, Martin, I want to ask you
plainly, did Mr. Manderson drink very much? You understand this is not
impertinent curiosity on my part. I want you to tell me, because it may
possibly help in the clearing up of this case.'

'Perfectly, sir,' replied Martin gravely. 'I have no hesitation in telling you
what I have already told the inspector. Mr. Manderson was, considering his
position in life, a remarkably abstemious man. In my four years of service
with him I never knew anything of an alcoholic nature pass his lips, except a
glass or two of wine at dinner, very rarely a little at luncheon, and from