I left the spot before the accident could have happened; and I came back to Calne with a witness.

As to the death having been something worse than accident, not a soul in the place has dreamt of such a thing except me." "Except you! What do you mean ?" Pike leaned more over the hurdles, so as to bring his disreputable face closer to Mr.Gum, who slightly recoiled as he caught the low whisper.
"I don't think the death was accidental.

I believe his lordship was just put out of the way quietly." "Heaven forbid!" exclaimed the shocked clerk.

"By whom?
By you ?" he added, in his bewilderment.
"No," returned the man.

"If I'd done it, I shouldn't talk about it." "What do you mean ?" cried Mr.Gum.
"I mean that I have my suspicions; and good suspicions they are.