I must have been very much mistaken, but I did
not think so at the time, and it bothered me more than enough. If my
evidence promised to be of any service to Mr. David, no consideration
would have kept me back. As it was--"
"You thought it would damage him?"
"I'm afraid that was my idea."
"I agree with you. It is far better that it never came to the knowledge of
the police. I am greatly obliged to you."
"May I ask, sir, if what I have told you will be useful in your inquiry?"
"Most decidedly. Some day soon Mr. David Hume-Frazer will thank you in
person. I suppose you have no objection to placing your observations in
written form for my private use, and sending the statement to me at the
County Hotel?"
"Not the least, sir; good-day."
The barrister walked to the hotel, having despatched his bag by a porter.
"I suppose," he said to himself, "that when Winter came here he rushed
straight to the police-station. How his round eyes will bulge out of their
sockets when I tell him what I have just learnt."
CHAPTER XIII
TWO WOMEN
The surprising information given by the stationmaster impressed the
barrister as so much unexpected trover which would assert its value in the
progress of events. He certainly did not anticipate the discovery of three
David Humes, though he had hoped to find traces of two.
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