midday
`` I am afraid not , '' and Preston spoke the words with a kind of gasp . `` And you , who were in your room most of the day , have no knowledge of anyone going into his office who would be likely to take it ? '' `` I have no knowledge . Indeed , my partner left at midday , and I do not remember him coming to the place at all afterwards . '' At the close of this evidence Paul gave a sigh , seemingly of relief . This might seem strange , for every word that had been spoken had seemed to fasten the guilt more securely on himself . Presently he was asked whether he wished to make a statement , and again all present were struck by his demeanour .