CHAPTER XII MR BUSHAM, SOLICITOR Lounging in his chair, Zirknitz made this astonishing statement as though it were the most natural thing in the world. Mrs. Moxton looked at Ellis in surprise, and both looked at Rudolph. "Is this true?" asked Ellis, doubtfully. "Eh, _mon cher_, most assuredly. I tell lies only when necessary." "Rudolph, you must explain how it was you came to be in Dukesfield on that night." "My dear sister, did I not say I would come for Janet?" "Yes, and you never kept your promise." "No," chimed in Ellis. "Polly Horley said the same thing." Rudolph smiled in a most engaging manner. "Ah, that excellent Horley! How much she knows of what she knows not. My sister, have I your permission to smoke?" Mrs. Moxton impatiently nodded an assent. "But I am waiting to hear how you did not come for Janet and yet were in Dukesfield on that night." With great deliberation, Zirknitz selected a cigarette from his silver case and lighted it before making any reply. Selfish in his every act, he offered none to Ellis--an omission which troubled that gentleman very little. He had no great love for this egotistical butterfly. "My Laura," said Rudolph, blowing a whiff of smoke, "on that night I was playing cards in the _salon_ of the music-hall, and I won twenty pounds from Edgar. He had not the money, but he gave me an 'I O U.' Then, most furious at his loss, he drank and drank till he was as a wild beast. I was going for Janet, and at the station I saw our Edgar; but to avoid him I went in another carriage. At the station of Dukesfield, I tried to run from him; but he saw me and followed; _quelle bêtise_. There was trouble, and he wished to fight. So when he went home I saw it was foolish to come for Janet, as Edgar would be raging. I took back another train, and a cab to my rooms in Bloomsbury. _Voila_, the story!" "Not all the story!" said Ellis. "You have left out the most important part--about Busham." "Ah, that dear Busham. When Edgar was angry with me on the platform of the Dukesfield station, I see out of my eye's corner that clever advocate. He was watching our dear Edgar, but did not come near him. I knew him. Oh, yes, I knew his face very well." "I did not know you were acquainted with him, Rudolph!" "Best of sisters, I do not tell you all I know, or do. Our Edgar one day took me to see the excellent Busham in his office, where they did fight. Oh, I tell you, monsieur, the good Busham sent us away with a flea in our ears. Edgar spoke of his father, and said that Busham was a rogue wanting the money; so we had trouble, and we left very enraged. So I met Busham, the pig," finished Zirknitz, smiling, "and I do not forget his face." "He was watching Edgar on the night of his death?" "_Oui da!_ He thought I saw him not, but I did see him. _Ma foi_, I have quick eyes, Laura, as you well know. He ran out of the station after Edgar, and I am certain followed to kill him." "About what time was this?"