"Who do you think murdered Moxton?" he asked, resolved to startle the man into a confession.
"Who do I think murdered Moxton," repeated Zirknitz, blandly. "Why, my dear Monsieur, I think Mr. Busham did."
Ellis jumped up. "On what grounds do you make such an accusation?"
"Ah, I will not tell you that now," replied Zirknitz, coolly. "I do not yet know you well. If Mrs. Moxton agrees I may do so."
"Oh, no, I tell nothing. See, the performance is over. We must go."
While the Austrian was reassuming coat and hat, Ellis felt sorely tempted to tell him about the blood signs and accuse him of killing Moxton. But as yet he had not sufficient evidence, and it was unwise to put Zirknitz on his guard until he could get him into a corner. Before he could decide, the Austrian nodded and, still smiling, slipped out of the box. Ellis stooped to pick up his stick and followed almost immediately, only to find that Zirknitz had vanished into the crowd. What his attitude was towards himself, the doctor could not quite determine. "I shall question Mrs. Moxton about her brother," he reflected, as he went in search of Cass.
The journalist was in the office of Schwartz, but came out when he heard Ellis inquiring for him.
"How did you get on with Zirknitz?" he asked, as they hailed a hansom.
"Oh, pretty well. He talked a great deal, and declared that Busham killed Moxton."
"I don't know. He refused to give any proof, and cleared out before I could question him further. What did Schwartz want to see you about?"
"To warn you and me against cultivating Zirknitz."
"The worst in the nest, from all accounts. I believe he killed Moxton on his own hook."
"He denies that he was at Dukesfield on that night."
"Denies it? Like his brass. Why, he left this hall to take Moxton home."
Cass drew a long, long breath. "I don't know what to believe," he said. "All these men form part of the gang of rogues. There is more devilry in this case than we know of, Bob."
On arriving at their lodgings, both men were too excited over the case to feel inclined for sleep. Instead of going to bed, they made up the fire, lighted their pipes, and continued the discussion commenced in the hansom. It was then that Ellis repeated the statement of Zirknitz anent his connection with Mrs. Moxton and her sister.