"I can say honestly that I was." "Very late at night ?" Milburgh still smiled, but there was a steely look in his eye as he answered: "Frequently I worked late at night." "Do you remember the night of the eleventh ?" asked Tarling.
Milburgh looked at the ceiling for inspiration.
"Yes, I think I do.

I was working very late that night." "In your own office ?" "No," replied the other readily, "I did most of my work in Mr.Lyne's office--at his request," he added.

A bold statement to make to a man who knew that Lyne suspected him of robbing the firm.

But Milburgh was nothing if not bold.
"Did he also give you the key of his desk ?" asked the detective dryly.
"Yes, sir," beamed Mr.Milburgh, "of course he did! You see, Mr.Lyne trusted me absolutely." He said this so naturally and with such assurance that Tarling was staggered.

Before he had time to speak the other went on: "Yes, I can truthfully say that I was in Mr.Lyne's confidence.