But all this is beside the point, Mr.Barrant, and I must not waste your time.

You have come here for a specific purpose--to turn me inside out.

What can I tell you ?" "I want to know all that you can tell me about your brother's death," said the other, with emphasis.
"But what can I tell you that you do not already know ?" exclaimed Austin, raising his eyebrows with a helpless look.

"Ask me what questions you like, and I'll endeavour to answer them.

When the famous Detective Barrant--for I understand from the newspapers that you are famous--takes an interview in hand I expect him to handle the situation in a masterly fashion, as befits his reputation.