As I said just now, he wasn't here ten minutes." It was evident to me that Mr.Lindsey was still more taken aback.

What we had learned during the last half-hour seemed to surprise him.

And Mr.
Portlethorpe, who was sharp enough of observation, saw this, and made haste to step into the arena.
"Mr.Lindsey," he said, "has been much upset by the apparently extraordinary circumstances of Sir Gilbert Carstairs' disappearance--and so, I may say, has Sir Gilbert's sister, Mrs.Ralston.I have pointed out that Sir Gilbert himself may have--probably has--a quite proper explanation of his movements.

Wait a minute, Lindsey!" he went on, as Mr.
Lindsey showed signs of restiveness.

"It's my turn, I think." He looked at Mr.Paley again.