"Quite so, but he could tell me who was on duty on that night. I did not inform him of my reasons, save that I was curious on my own account to learn who killed Moxton, so I found out the names of the police on duty that night. Queerly enough their term of service has come round again for night duty, so I went out and questioned at least half a dozen about Busham."
"Well, Busham is a liar; he spoke to none of them, and none spoke to him. They never saw a gentleman of his description about on that night, so I judged that he dodged after Moxton in the shadows to avoid recognition. Now, Bob, your best plan is to see Busham and accuse him; then we shall see if he can bring forward in his defence this supposititious policeman."
"Good. I'll call on our mutual friend to-morrow. But I shall see Zirknitz first."
"To ask him how Busham was dressed on that night. As the police would not recognise Busham by his face, they might by his dress. In that way we can learn if anyone of them saw him following Moxton after they left the railway station."
Having decided upon this course, which, under the circumstances, was the most sensible, both men retired to bed. Next morning, after a further discussion with Cass, the doctor set out for Bloomsbury. As yet he had not many patients, so he could afford the time, but his practice was increasing, and he foresaw that unless he could bring the matter of the murder to a speedy conclusion, he would be obliged to throw it over altogether. But on Janet's account he was unwilling to do this.
As usual, M. Zirknitz was still in bed, and Ellis waited for some time in the gorgeous sitting-room, which its owner--apparently--had created out of nothing. When the Austrian made his appearance he was as lively as ever, and greeted Ellis in his most genial manner.
"Ah, Ellis, _mon ami, mon cher_, so you have arrived once more. Is it to take me to a prison or to join me at _déjeuner_--the latter, I hope; friendship is so much more charming than enmity."
"I have come only to ask you a few questions, Zirknitz; also to tell you something which may astonish you."
"Astonish me! _C'est une mauvaise plaisanterie, mon cher_. I am never astonished at anything in this best of all possible worlds. You have not read _Candide_, in which that saying occurs? No. Ah, you should. Voltaire is the most witty of his race. _Eh bien!_ What is your astonishing news?"