Who could have committed this terrible deed? The thought flashed through Lionel’s mind, and with it just the whisper of a terrible suspicion. What an awful weight of anxiety and misery it was! The superintendent of the Brazencrook police intimated that he would like to put a few questions to Mr. Hammerton and the groom in his lordship’s presence, and also to Lord Verner himself. His lordship, therefore, invited the officer to go into the library with himself and the Brazencrook vicar, and here the policeman finished his inquiry for that day in the following manner: First he obtained from Lord Verner the particulars of Mr. Tallant’s arrival, and having brought the story up to the point where Mr. Tallant went out upon the terrace with his sister, the policeman desired to see Lady Verner, that she might continue the narrative; whereupon Lord Verner rebuked him as an insolent fellow, and reminded him that he was in the presence of the Lord-Lieutenant of the county. “Who has only a duty to perform, like myself,” said the officer. “You cannot see Lady Verner,” said his lordship; “and your desire to do so is an impertinence. If you choose to conduct your inquiries respectfully you may continue them; if not, were you twenty times a policeman I would have you bundled out of this room, sir. There!” “I bow to your superior authority, your lordship,” said the officer, calmly. “May I ask you one more question before I proceed to put one or two to your servants?” “You may,” said Earl Verner. “Did this gentleman come here on business?” “I think he had some little business with his sister, the Countess.” “Thank you, my lord,” said the officer. “What is your name?” asked the officer, turning to the groom. “Jones--Peter Jones,” said the man. “Tell me all you know about this affair,” said the officer, “and how you found the deceased.” “I had suppered up Hector after Captain Hammerton had returned from Brazencrook, and I was just leaving the stable when I heard a gun or pistol fired off, and somebody shout. I went in the direction of the sounds, and there saw Mr. Tallant dead, and Captain Hammerton holding his head up.” “Very good,” said the officer. “Will you kindly explain what you know about it, Captain?” “I heard the report of fire-arms,” said the Captain, “and hurrying to the spot, found the poor gentleman dying. He was not quite dead when I raised him up.” “How far were you away from the spot, sir?” “A hundred yards, perhaps.” “You were near the ruin, then?” “Yes; by the keep.” “Had you been there long?” “Only a short time.” “Were you with the deceased?” “No.” “May I ask what brought you near the ruin?” “Seeing some one walking there, I had gone in that direction when I gave my horse to Jones.” “Did you see one or two persons?” “I thought I saw two.” “Did you hear voices?” “I believe I did.” “Did any one leave the ruin whilst you were there?” “I cannot say.”