He told me a great deal more about himself than he has told anybody and----" "One moment," said Tarling, and he spoke slowly.

"Will you please tell me what you did with the revolver which you found on Mr.Lyne's desk?
It was a Colt automatic, and it was loaded." Blank astonishment showed in Mr.Milburgh's eyes.
"A loaded pistol ?" he asked, raising his eyebrows, "but, my dear good Mr.
Tarling, whatever are you talking about?
I never found a loaded pistol on Mr.Lyne's desk--poor fellow! Mr.Lyne objected as much to these deadly weapons as myself." Here was a facer for Tarling, but he betrayed no sign either of disappointment or surprise.

Milburgh was frowning as though he were attempting to piece together some half-forgotten recollection.
"Is it possible," he said in a shocked voice, "that when you examined my house the other day it was with the object of discovering such a weapon as this!" "It's quite possible," said Tarling coolly, "and even probable.

Now, I'm going to be very straightforward with you, Mr.Milburgh.I suspect you know a great deal more about this murder than you have told us, and that you had ever so much more reason for wishing Mr.Lyne was dead than you are prepared to admit at this moment.

Wait," he said, as the other opened his mouth to speak.