minutes past nine, so anyone who can prove that he or she has remained in this room during all that time should have no worry.'
He looked around inquiringly.
`We've all been out of the room,' Miss Wicks announced for the company. `That is unfortunate,' murmured Penbury.
`But so have you!' exclaimed Monty, with nervous aggression.
`Yes -so I have,' replied Penbury. `Then let me give my alibi first. At twenty minutes to eight I followed Wainwright up to the second floor. Before going into his room he made an odd remark which - in the circumstances -is worth repeating. "There's somebody in this house who doesn't like me very much," he said. "Only one?" I answered. "You're luckier than I am." Then he went into his room, and that was the last time I saw him alive. I went into my room. I took two aspirin tablets. I went into the bathroom to wash them down with a drink of water. By the way, my water-bottle again needs filling, Mrs Mayton. Then as my head was still bad, I thought a stroll would be a good idea, and I went out. I kept out till approximately - nine o'clock. Then I came back. The door you heard closing, Mrs Mayton, was not Wainwright going out. It was me coming in.' `Wait a moment!' ejaculated Bella.
`Yes?' `How did you know Mrs Mayton heard the front door close? You weren't here!' Penbury regarded her with interest and respect. `Intelligent,' he murmured.
`Now, then, don't take too long thinking of an answer!' glared Mr Calthrop.
`I don't need any time at all to think of an answer,' retorted Penbury. `I know because I listened outside the door. But may I finish my statement in my own way? Thank you! As I say, I came back. I went up to my room.' He paused. `On the floor I found a handkerchief. It wasn't mine. It hadn't been there when I left. I wondered whether it was Wainwright's -whether he'd been poking around. I went into his room to ask if the handkerchief was his. I found him lying on the ground near his bed. Dressed, of course. On his back. Head towards the window, one arm stretched towards the fireplace. Stabbed through the heart. But no sign of what he'd been stabbed with . . . It looks to me a small wound, but deep. It found the spot all right . . . The window was closed and fastened. Whoever did it entered through the door. I left the room and locked the door. I knew no one should go in again till the police and police doctor turned up. I decided to make sure that no one did. I came down. The telephone, as you know, is in the dining-room. Most inconvenient. It should be in the hall. Passing the drawing-room door I listened, to hear what you all were talking about. Then I went into the dining-room and telephoned the police. And then I joined you.'
Flushed and emotional, Mrs Mayton challenged him.
`Why did you sit here for three minutes without telling us?' she demanded.
`I was watching you,' answered Penbury, coolly.
`Well, I call that a rotten alibi!' exclaimed Mr Calthrop. `Who's to prove you were out all that time?'