He was not sure whether the man was an Englishman or a foreigner; he fancied that he detected a slightly foreign accent.

The tone was well-meaning, and even kindly.
"I'm obliged to you," replied Allerdyke, in his characteristically blunt fashion.

"I'm afraid nobody can be of use.

The truth is, I came to join my cousin here, and I find him dead.

Seems to me he's been dead some time.