“No, that she isn’t,” said Roger with decision. “That lady isn’t free from suspicion yet by any means. After all, the matter of the jewels is only one of several curious circumstances. But look here, Alec; another remarkable thing has cropped up since I saw you last. I’m going to tell you, because I promised I’d share anything new with you at the very beginning. But I won’t unless you’ll promise to take it quite calmly, and not smite me with that great ham-fist of yours or throw yourself despairingly into a rose bush or anything. You know, you’re a very difficult sort of person to work with on this sort of job, Alec.”
“Fire away!” Alec grunted. “What’s happened now?”
“You won’t like it, but I can’t help that. After all, I’m only telling you facts, not theories; and there’s no getting away from them, however unwelcome they may be. It’s about Lady Stanworth this time. Listen.”
And Roger embarked upon a voluble recital of The Strange Behaviour of Lady Stanworth.
CHAPTER XII.
Hidden Chambers and What-Nots
“Oh!” said Alec carefully, when Roger had finished.
“You see? I carefully refrain from drawing any deduction. Aloud, at any rate. All I say is that it looks funny.”
“Lots of things seem to look funny to you, Roger,” Alec remarked tolerantly.
“About this case?” Roger retorted. “You’re quite right. Lots of things do. But let’s put all these side issues behind us for the moment. There’s one thing that I’m simply aching to set about.”
“Only one?” said Alec nastily. “And what’s that?”