Mrs. Lorrimer did not take any time to think.
“I thought you would probably ask me that. I have been trying to think it out. I got up once myself when I was dummy. I went over to the fire. Mr. Shaitana was alive then. I mentioned to him how nice it was to see a wood fire.”
“And he answered?”
“That he hated radiators.”
“Did anyone overhear your conversation?”
“I don’t think so. I lowered my voice, not to interrupt the players.” She added dryly: “In fact, you have only my word for it that Mr. Shaitana was alive and spoke to me.”
Superintendent Battle made no protest. He went on with his quiet methodical questioning.
“What time was that?”
“I should think we had been playing a little over an hour.”
“What about the others?”
“Dr. Roberts got me a drink. He also got himself one—that was later. Major Despard also went to get a drink—at about 11:15, I should say.”
“Only once?”
“No—twice, I think. The men moved about a fair amount—but I didn’t notice what they did. Miss Meredith left her seat once only, I think. She went round to look at her partner’s hand.”
“But she remained near the bridge table?”
“I couldn’t say at all. She may have moved away.”
Battle nodded.
“It’s all very vague,” he grumbled.
“I am sorry.”
Once again Battle did his conjuring trick and produced the long delicate stiletto.
“Will you look at this, Mrs. Lorrimer?”
Mrs. Lorrimer took it without emotion.
“Have you ever seen that before?”
“Never.”
“Yet it was lying on a table in the drawing room.”
“I didn’t notice it.”
“You realize, perhaps, Mrs. Lorrimer, that with a weapon like that a woman could do the trick just as easily as a man.”
“I suppose she could,” said Mrs. Lorrimer quietly.
She leaned forward and handed the dainty little thing back to him.
“But all the same,” said Superintendent Battle, “the woman would have to be pretty desperate. It was a long chance to take.”
He waited a minute, but Mrs. Lorrimer did not speak.