"It's the whole truth as far as I'm concerned," answered Hyde. "I certainly picked up that ring in that passage, close by this man who was lying there. But I didn't know he was dead; I didn't know he'd been murdered. All I know is that I was absolutely famishing, desperate, in no condition to think clearly about anything. I guess I should do the same thing again, under the circumstances. I only wish--" He paused and began muttering to himself, and the two listeners glanced at each other. "You only wish what, Hyde?" asked Viner. "I wish it had been a half-crown instead of that ring!" said Hyde with a queer flashing glance at his audience. "I could have got a bed for fourpence, and have lived for three days on the rest. And now--" Viner made no remark; and Drillford, who was leaning against his desk, watching his prisoner closely, tapped Hyde on the shoulder. "Can you describe the man who came out of the passage as you entered it?" he asked. "Be accurate, now!" Hyde's face brightened a little, and his eyes became more intelligent. "Yes!" he answered. "You know--or you don't know--how your mental faculties get sharpened by hunger. I was dull enough, in one way, but alert enough in another. I can describe the man--as much as I saw of him. A tall man--neither broad nor slender--half-and-half. Dressed in black from top to toe. A silk hat--patent leather boots--and muffled to the eyes in a white silk handkerchief." "Could you see his face?" asked Drillford. "Was he clean-shaved, or bearded, or what?" "I tell you he was muffled to the very eyes," answered Hyde. "One of those big silk handkerchiefs, you know--he had it drawn up over his chin and nose--right up." "Then you'd have difficulty in knowing him again," observed Drillford. "There are a few thousand men in the West End of London who'd answer the description you've given." "All right!" muttered Hyde doggedly. "But--I know what I saw. And if you want to help me, Viner, find that man--because he must have come straight away from the body!" Drillford turned to Viner, glancing at the same time at the clock. "Do you want to ask him any more questions?" he inquired. "No? Well, there's just one I want to ask. What were you doing with that knife in your possession?" he went on, turning to Hyde. "Be careful, now; you heard what the doctor said about it, in court?" "I've nothing to conceal," replied Hyde. "You heard me say just now that I'd had engagements in the States. I bought that knife when I was out West--more as a curiosity than anything--and I've carried it in my pocket ever since." Drillford looked again at Viner.