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CALL MR. FORTUNE

He got cold feet. Said I had better go right on to Albert. Albert was down at Prior's Colney. Would I go to Albert? I would so. And I did."

"Yes. By train. You got to Colney Road Station 12.20," Reggie said. "You came back by the 2.5."

"That's so." Cranford stared at him. "You know something, doctor. I walked up to Prior's Colney. Flunkey said Albert was out. I walked back and caught the 2.5."

There was silence for a moment. Then the little Jew said, "That's the story. You'll have to tell it in the witness-box, you know."

"Can do," said Cranford.

"That's nice," the little Jew lisped. "Now you know some fellow will ask you—don't you tell me if you don't want—did you murder Albert Lunt?"

"I did not, sir."

The little Jew rubbed his hands. "That's nice, ain't it, doctor? That gives us a free hand." He got up. "Well, doctor, any questions?"

"I wonder what coat you were wearing, Mr. Cranford?" Reggie said.

"Coat? Brown raincoat. Devilish cold it was too. Only coat I've got. I've not had time to fit out for an English spring."

"Quite. We'll carry on, then." Reggie got up too. "It's shaping all right, Mr. Cranford. Shouldn't worry."