Mr. Owen's orders were - what exactly?"
Rogers said: "I was to put a record on the gramophone.
I'd find the record in the drawer and my wife was to start the gramophone when I'd gone into the drawing-room with the coffee tray."
The judge murmured: "A very remarkable story."
Rogers cried: "It's the truth, sir.
I swear to God it's the truth.
I didn't know what it was - not for a moment.
It had a name on it - I thought it was just a piece of music."
Wargrave looked at Lombard.
"Was there a title on it?"
Lombard nodded.
He grinned suddenly, showing his white pointed teeth. He said: "Quite right, sir.
It was entitled Swan Song..."
III General Macarthur broke out suddenly.
He exclaimed: "The whole thing is preposterous - preposterous!
Slinging accusations about like this!
Something must be done about it.
This fellow Owen whoever he is -"
Emily Brent interrupted. She said sharply: "That's just it, who is he?"
The judge interposed.
He spoke with the authority that a life-time in the courts had given him.
He said: "That is exactly what we must go into very carefully.
I should suggest that you get your wife to bed first of all, Rogers. Then come back here."
"Yes, sir."
Dr. Armstrong said: "I'll give you a hand, Rogers."
Leaning on the two men, Mrs. Rogers tottered out of the room.
When they had gone Tony Marston said:
"Don't know about you, sir, but I could do with a drink."
Lombard said: "I agree."
Tony said: "I'll go and forage." He went out of the room. He returned a second or two later.
"Found them all waiting on a tray outside ready to be brought in."
He set down his burden carefully. The next minute or two was spent in dispensing drinks.
General Macarthur had a stiff whiskey and so did the judge.
Every one felt the need of a stimulant.
Only Emily Brent demanded and obtained a glass of water.
Dr. Armstrong re-entered the room.
"She's all right," he said.
"I've given her a sedative to take.
What's that, a drink?
I could do with one."
Several of the men refilled their glasses.
A moment or two later Rogers re-entered the room.
Mr. Justice Wargrave took charge of the proceedings.
The room became an impromptu court of law.
The judge said: "Now then, Rogers, we must get to the bottom of this.
Who is this Mr. Owen?"
Rogers stared. "He owns this place, sir."
"I am aware of that fact.
What I want you to tell me is what you yourself know about the man."
Rogers shook his head.