‘Did Horbury seemed relieved when you said that?’
‘Do you know, sir, now you mention it, he certainly did. His manner changed at once. Said Mr Lee was a good old chap and free with his money—rather disrepectfully he spoke—and then he went off.’
‘Which way?’
‘Out through the door to the servants’ hall.’
Sugden interposed:
‘All that’s O.K., sir. He passed through the kitchen, where the cook and the kitchenmaid saw him, and out through the back door.’
‘Now listen, Tressilian, and think carefully. Is there any means by which Horbury could return to the house without anyone seeing him?’
The old man shook his head.
‘I don’t see how he could have done so, sir. All the doors are locked on the inside.’
‘Supposing he had had a key?’
‘The doors are bolted as well.’
‘How does he get in when he comes?’
‘He has a key of the back door, sir. All the servants come in that way.’
‘He could have returned that way, then?’
‘Not without passing through the kitchen, sir. And the kitchen would be occupied till well after half-past nine or a quarter to ten.’
Colonel Johnson said:
‘That seems conclusive. Thank you, Tressilian.’
The old man got up and with a bow left the room. He returned, however, a minute or two later.
‘Horbury has just returned, sir. Would you like to see him now?’
‘Yes, please, send him in at once.’
XVII
Sydney Horbury did not present a very prepossessing appearance. He came into the room and stood rubbing his hands together and darting quick looks from one person to another. His manner was unctuous.
Johnson said:
‘You’re Sydney Horbury?’
‘Yes, sir.’
‘Valet attendant to the late Mr Lee?’
‘Yes, sir. It’s terrible, isn’t it? You could have knocked me down with a feather when I heard from Gladys. Poor old gentleman—’
Johnson cut him short.
‘Just answer my questions, please.’
‘Yes, sir, certainly, sir.’