He----" "I know nothing about the murder, my dear sir!" exclaimed Mr.
Cardlestone.

"And I never talk to journalists--a pack of busybodies, sir, saving your presence.

I am not aware that any murder has been committed, and I object to my doorway being filled by a pack of office boys and street loungers.

Murder indeed! I suppose the man fell down these steps and broke his neck--drunk, most likely." He opened his outer door as he spoke, and Breton, with a reassuring smile and a nod at Spargo, followed him into his chambers on the first landing, motioning the journalist to keep at their heels.
"Mr.Elphick tells me that he was with you until a late hour last evening, Mr.Cardlestone," he said.

"Of course, neither of you heard anything suspicious ?" "What should we hear that was suspicious in the Temple, sir ?" demanded Mr.Cardlestone, angrily.