Taking their witnesses with them, therefore, Joan, Ellery, and Thomas set out for Scotland Yard. There they left the witnesses in a waiting-room, and were at once shown in to the superintendent. Inspector Blaikie, who had been sent for when Thomas’s message was received, was also present, and the two police officers now heard from Joan and Ellery what they had done. The superintendent listened very quietly to their story, in one of his favourite attitudes, with his eyes closed most of the time, his legs thrust out before him, and his hands buried deep in his trousers pockets. The inspector once or twice tried to interrupt, and was at first obviously incredulous. But, before they had done, the strength of their case was evident, even to him, and the testimony of the witnesses, who were then called in and examined one by one, was quite conclusive in its cumulative effect. Walter Brooklyn had been seen by no less than seven persons, and it was quite inconceivable, in view of the times and places at which they had seen him, that he could have made his way into and out of Liskeard House and committed even a single murder, in the time available. The superintendent jotted down a list of the independent testimonies which went to the making of the _alibi_. 10.15 or so. Shown out of Liskeard House by Winter. 10.20 or so. Seen by porter at Piccadilly Theatre walking up Piccadilly towards the Circus. 10.45. Seen in Leicester Square by Kitty Frensham and Horace Mandleham. 11.20 or so. Seen in Piccadilly Circus by night-watchman. 11.30 or so. Seen by taxi-driver near Liskeard Street in Piccadilly (exact time uncertain). 11.35 (about). Seen, at time not precisely fixed, but it must have been at this time, by “the Spaniard,” leaning on the parapet and then walking along the top of Trafalgar Square. 11.45. Seen by witness of unknown occupation at the top of Whitehall and followed by him up Cockspur Street and Regent Street, as far as the corner of Jermyn Street. 12 midnight. Seen by night-porter entering the Byron Club (the porter is positive he did not go out again). When the last witness had withdrawn the superintendent looked at his notes. “What do you make of it now?” asked Thomas. The reply, unhesitatingly given, was that the _alibi_ seemed to be conclusive. “I admit,” said the superintendent, “that for a time we were barking up the wrong tree. There remain, of course, to be explained the telephone message and the presence of your client’s stick. I don’t say that we shan’t have to test even the _alibi_ further—some of your witnesses are of rather doubtful character. But personally I admit that I have no doubt about it; indeed, quite apart from the _alibi_, I had already made up my mind on other grounds that your client was innocent. Your discoveries merely confirm my opinion.” “Then you agree,” said Thomas, “that my client ought to be released.”