"
"Your hypothesis?" I said. "Then you really have a theory which is
entirely different from mine?"
"Not entirely different, Knox, merely not so comprehensive. I have
contented myself thus far with a negative theory, if I may so express
it."
"Negative theory?"
"Exactly. We are dealing, my dear fellow, with a case of bewildering
intricacies. For the moment I have focussed upon one feature only."
"What is that?"
"Upon proving that Colin Camber did not do the murder."
"Did _not_ do it?"
"Precisely, Knox. Respecting the person or persons who did do it, I had
preserved a moderately open mind, up to the moment that Inspector
Aylesbury entered the library with the Lee-Enfield."
"And then?" I said, eagerly.
"Then," he replied, "I began to think hard. However, since I practise
what I preach, or endeavour to do so, I must not permit myself to
speculate upon this aspect of the matter until I have tested my theory
of Camber's innocence."
"In other words," I said, bitterly, "although you encouraged me to
unfold my ideas regarding Mrs. Camber, you were merely laughing at me
all the time!"
"My dear Knox!" exclaimed Harley, jumping up impulsively, "please don't
be unjust.
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