“I wonder whether you are right,” said John Steadman slowly.
Chapter XVI
“I hear you are very busy, Aubrey, and I am very sorry to interrupt you. But I thought perhaps you would spare me a few minutes.”
The head of the Confraternity of St. Philip was sitting at his writing-table apparently absorbed in some abstruse calculations. He looked up with a furrowed brow and without his usual smile as the rector of Wexbridge advanced into the room.
“I can't spare very long, Uncle James. This enforced absence of Hopkins is throwing double work on my shoulders.”
“I know, I know!” assented Mr. Collyer. “You must realize how sincerely I sympathize with you, my dear Aubrey. But I bring some news that I feel sure will interest you. The police have found some of the emeralds.”
“Is that so?” There was no doubting the interest in Todmarsh's voice now. “Where? And why only some? Why not all?” He sprang up as he spoke and took up a position with his back to the fire, one elbow resting on the high wooden mantelpiece. “My dear Uncle James, this is good news indeed! And I am sure we all need some!”
“We do!” assented Mr. Collyer. “As to your questions, my dear Aubrey, the police preserve a reticence that I find extremely trying. They have just told me that they have found them, not when or where. The only thing they will say is that they believe they were stolen by the Yellow Gang. It may retard developments to say much of their find now, they say.”
“But how?” questioned Todmarsh.
The rector shook his head.