"I arrest you for the wilful murder of Mr. Jonas Oldacre,
of Lower Norwood."
McFarlane turned to us with a gesture of despair, and sank into
his chair once more like one who is crushed.
"One moment, Lestrade," said Holmes. "Half an hour more or less
can make no difference to you, and the gentleman was about to
give us an account of this very interesting affair, which might
aid us in clearing it up."
"I think there will be no difficulty in clearing it up,"
said Lestrade, grimly.
"None the less, with your permission, I should be much
interested to hear his account."
"Well, Mr. Holmes, it is difficult for me to refuse you anything,
for you have been of use to the force once or twice in the past,
and we owe you a good turn at Scotland Yard," said Lestrade.
"At the same time I must remain with my prisoner, and I am
bound to warn him that anything he may say will appear in
evidence against him."
"I wish nothing better," said our client. "All I ask is that
you should hear and recognise the absolute truth."
Lestrade looked at his watch. "I'll give you half an hour,"
said he.
"I must explain first," said McFarlane, "that I knew nothing of
Mr.
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