He imparted that odd writhing movement to his
shoulders.
"For my conduct I am responsible to the Commissioner," he replied.
"And if he's not satisfied the Commissioner can have my written
resignation at any hour in the twenty-four that he's short of a
pipe-lighter. If it would not inconvenience you to keep quiet for two
minutes I will continue my examination of this witness."
CHAPTER VII
FURTHER EVIDENCE
The examination of Quentin Gray was three times interrupted by
telephone messages from Vine Street; and to the unsatisfactory
character of these the growing irascibility of Chief Inspector Kerry
bore testimony. Then the divisional surgeon arrived, and Burton
incurred the wrath of the Chief Inspector by deserting his post to
show the doctor upstairs.
"If inspired idiocy can help the law," shouted Kerry, "the man who did
this job is as good as dead!" He turned his fierce gaze in Gray's
direction. "Thank you, sir. I need trouble you no further."
"Do you wish me to remain?"
"No. Inspector Whiteleaf, see these two gentlemen past the Sergeant on
duty."
"But damn it all!" cried Gray, his pent-up emotions at last demanding
an outlet, "I won't submit to your infernal dragooning! Do you realize
that while you're standing here, doing nothing--absolutely nothing--an
unhappy woman is--"
"I realize," snapped Kerry, showing his teeth in canine fashion, "that
if you're not outside in ten seconds there's going to be a cloud of
dust on the stairs!"
White with passion, Gray was on the point of uttering other angry and
provocative words when Seton took his arm in a firm grip.
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