Major Hornby showed signs of assent. The Inspector proceeded. "That dagger was prepared and photographed on my instructions, immediately after I first arrived on the scene, and on the result showed a distinct set of finger-marks." His companion began to show evidence of interest. "Now, Major," and here Baddeley grew grave, "I made it my business to obtain a set of finger-prints of the various people I encountered in the house"--he was studying Hornby very carefully now--"and I have compared the incriminating set with the specimens I managed to obtain." He paused.
"I'm all attention, Inspector," said the Major. "And you discovered----?"
"That the finger-prints were _yours_--Major Hornby."
"Really, Inspector--now that's most interesting--when are you going to arrest me?"
Baddeley waved the sarcasm on one side. "Can you explain what I have just told you?"
Hornby pulled at his top lip, thoughtfully.
"Quite easily to a point," he said. He looked at the Inspector, who showed no sign. Hornby went on. "I held that dagger in my hand on the evening before Prescott was murdered."
The Major smiled. "Nothing suspicious. After dinner that evening, we were talking about crime----"
Baddeley was immediately alert. "What? Who was?"
"All of us. The conversation was general. Why do you ask?"
"Who was responsible for the turn the conversation took? Anybody in particular--think carefully--it may be of the greatest importance?"
"Well, if you ask me, Inspector, it was Bathurst--he rather fancies himself, you know, in the sleuth line. Can't think of anybody else. Yes, I'm sure he began it."
"Talking about crime," muttered his companion grimly. "Only talking----"
"Oh yes! Well, the conversation got pretty well going--murders and detectives and what not, and it didn't seem likely that cards would be started for some little time--and I wandered round the drawing-room. When I got to the curio table, as it was called, my eyes fell on the Venetian dagger. I couldn't help thinking how it fitted in with the subject of the reigning conversation. I picked it up and examined it with some interest--and the thought came to me that it might have sent more than one soul into eternity."
The Inspector listened eagerly, and with some impatience.