human
So the Parham affair seems to have concluded to-day. At the adjourned inquest they've returned the usual verdict--wilful murder against someone unknown. Poor girl! She was an entirely innocent victim.
gpt
Yes, I remarked, smoking my pipe reflectively,
human
We have the only clue that exists, was his answer.
gpt
You saw one of the men.
human
Yes, but I doubt if I'd recognise him again. It was only like a shadow passing across the room. He was tall and thin, but I was too far away to distinguish his features.
gpt
Mrs Parham has apparently made no statement to the police of any value, and Parham himself is still absent. He fears, I suppose, certain inquiries regarding the possession of that gruesome object which we found in the false bottom of the secret hiding-place.
human
I'd like to meet this man Parham, I said.
gpt
Recollect that he undoubtedly knew the man who was killed in Charlton Wood.
human
Yes, remarked Eric, slowly.
gpt
It certainly seems strange that he doesn't turn up again. He may, of course, be travelling abroad, as his wife seems to think he is. She has told the police that he's often abroad, and she frequently does not hear from him for a fortnight or three weeks. It appears that only a short time ago he remarked that he might be compelled to go out to India on business connected with some jewels which an Indian prince has for sale. Perhaps he has gone, and will write to her from Port Said. That is what the police believe.
human
And if he does?
gpt
Well, I should think it most probable that he'll be detained at Bombay and asked to return at once to London, to explain how the human eye came into his possession.
human
I wish we could get sight of a photograph of Parham, I said.
gpt
It would help us so much.
human
He's never had his portrait taken--objects to it, I hear. The police told me so. They always look with suspicion upon a man who objects to being photographed.