“It appears to have knocked your friend over⁠—knocked him completely off his legs,” Mr. Inspector remarked, when he had finished his summing up. “It has given him a bad turn to be sure!” This was said in a very low voice, and with a searching look (not the first he had cast) at the stranger.

Mr. Lightwood explained that it was no friend of his.

“Indeed?” said Mr. Inspector, with an attentive ear; “where did you pick him up?”

Mr. Lightwood explained further.