So when Stebbins was severe with him, chronically severe, he took refuge in an india-rubber persiflage.
“Miss Mdevani saw you on the stairs at 4:30 A.M. What did you say you were doing about that time?”
“I swear I was doing nothing whatever about it. Time is one of those things you save time by leaving to its own devices.”
Stebbins huffed and he puffed; Belknap cleared his throat; Berry smiled.
“I said what were you doing in the hall at 4:30 A.M.?” Stebbins’ voice did all the things Stebbins would have enjoyed doing.
“I had put my shoes out at 11 P.M., and I thought they might be back by four.” Julian was examining the end of his tie.
“Contempt of court, Julian,” Belknap said. “Come now, boy—”
“You leave him to me,” Stebbins thundered. “I’m talking to him, Mr. Belknap. Now, Mr. Prentice, will you repeat that again about you and Miss Lacey?”
“The others must be tired of hearing it; but if you want it, I’m never tired of saying it.” Julian struck a sentimental attitude. “I love her.”
“I’m asking you what went on in your room—I mean what was Miss Lacey doing in your—I mean— Oh, get to Hell out of here. I’ll call you again when I need you. Bring in Crawford.”
‘Bring in Crawford!’ All afternoon the word had periodically come out: ‘Bring in Crawford,’ and at each call Crawford, more shattered, more bewildered, more desperately ill with weariness and anguish, was led in, only to come out again to a stark and tragic Sydney who, between rounds as it were, tried mechanically to warm his hands with her colder hands.
Stebbins decidedly had it in for Crawford. Naturally he was prejudiced by a nasty little battle that had left him two badly wounded men.
“What was Judge Whittaker’s Diary to you? You needn’t answer. I know. And we’ll get you for that anyway. Where is the Diary now?”
“When you killed Blake to get it what did you do with it?”
“I told you I didn’t kill Blake;” with infinite weariness.
“I don’t know. I heard voices and didn’t knock.”
“Saw to the basement door for admitting my men.”
“Does your wife know of your relationship with Miss Video?”
“Did you suggest putting Miss Video out of the way?”
“Did you say, ‘It’s Bertrand Whittaker’s life or mine’?”
“I did. I have not denied my intention to kill Whittaker.”