"Well, Thomas, how long have you been employed in your present situation?"
"It must be a matter of two years now, sir."
"You are the person who first discovered the body of Mr. Leavenworth?"
"Yes, sir; I and Mr. Harwell."
"And who is Mr. Harwell?"
"Mr. Harwell is Mr. Leavenworth's private secretary, sir; the one who did his writing."
"Very good. Now at what time of the day or night did you make this discovery?"
"It was early, sir; early this morning, about eight."
"And where?"
"In the library, sir, off Mr. Leavenworth's bedroom. We had forced our way in, feeling anxious about his not coming to breakfast."
"You forced your way in; the door was locked, then?"
"Yes, sir."
"On the inside?"
"That I cannot tell; there was no key in the door."
"Where was Mr. Leavenworth lying when you first found him?"
"He was not lying, sir. He was seated at the large table in the centre of his room, his back to the bedroom door, leaning forward, his head on his hands."
"How was he dressed?"
"In his dinner suit, sir, just as he came from the table last night."
"Were there any evidences in the room that a struggle had taken place?"
"No, sir."
"Any pistol on the floor or table?"
"No, sir?"