So, though it was already late in the afternoon, he set forth again from his house about tea-time, to spend a couple of hours at the office.

He had sent word to Mr.Timmins that he would probably come in, and begin to get through the arrears caused by his unavoidable absence that morning, and he found his head clerk waiting for him.

A few words were of course appropriate, and they were admirably chosen.
"You have seen the result of the inquest, no doubt, Mr.Timmins," he said, "and yet one hardly knows whether one wishes the murderer to be brought to justice.

What good does that do, now our friend is dead?
So mean and petty a motive too; just for a watch and a few sovereigns.

It was money bought at a terrible price, was it not?
Poor soul, poor soul; yes, I say that of the murderer.