It came out in evidence that Colonel Moran and young Adair had
between them won a considerable amount of money. Now, Moran
undoubtedly played foul -- of that I have long been aware.
I believe that on the day of the murder Adair had discovered that
Moran was cheating. Very likely he had spoken to him privately,
and had threatened to expose him unless he voluntarily resigned
his membership of the club and promised not to play cards again.
It is unlikely that a youngster like Adair would at once make a
hideous scandal by exposing a well-known man so much older than
himself. Probably he acted as I suggest. The exclusion from
his clubs would mean ruin to Moran, who lived by his ill-gotten
card gains. He therefore murdered Adair, who at the time was
endeavouring to work out how much money he should himself return,
since he could not profit by his partner's foul play. He locked
the door lest the ladies should surprise him and insist upon knowing
what he was doing with these names and coins. Will it pass?"
"I have no doubt that you have hit upon the truth."
"It will be verified or disproved at the trial.
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