Twenty-two minutes past six. What time did you say death occurred, doctor?”
“I said about half an hour, but—”
The Inspector consulted his watch.
“Five minutes past seven. I got word about ten minutes ago, at five minutes to seven. Discovery of the body was at about a quarter to seven. I understand you were fetched immediately. Say you examined it at ten minutes to—Why, that brings it to the identical second almost!”
“I don’t guarantee the time absolutely,” said Haydock. “That is an approximate estimate.”
“Good enough, sir, good enough.”
I had been trying to get a word in.
“About the clock—”
“If you’ll excuse me, sir, I’ll ask you any questions I want to know. Time’s short. What I want is absolute silence.”
“Yes, but I’d like to tell you—”
“Absolute silence,” said the Inspector, glaring at me ferociously.
I gave him what he asked for.
He was still peering about the writing table.
“What was he sitting here for?” he grunted. “Did he want to write a note—Hullo—what’s this?”
He held up a piece of notepaper triumphantly. So pleased was he with his find that he permitted us to come to his side and examine it with him.