‘I see—a heroic sacrifice! Well, I will tell Mr. Simon Lock... what shall I tell him?’
‘Tell him I have discovered nothing definite, and own myself beaten as regards finding out the true origin of Raphael Craig’s eccentricities. But tell him, also, that I am convinced that Raphael Craig is nothing worse than eccentric.’ Richard paused, and repeated: ‘Yes, nothing worse than eccentric.’
‘No, Redgrave, I won’t tell him that you are convinced of that.’
‘And why not?’
‘Because, forgive me, I am convinced that you are not convinced of it.’
There was an interval of silence, during which two spirals of smoke ascended gracefully to the panelled ceiling of Lord Dolmer’s diningroom.
‘Perhaps I am not,’ Richard answered calmly. ‘Tell Simon Lock what you like, then, only make it plain that I retire. I ask no fee, since I have earned none. I wash my hands of the whole business. I am within my rights in so doing.’
‘Certainly you are within your rights,’ said Lord Dolmer. ‘And d’you know, Redgrave, I am rather glad that you are retiring from the case.’
‘Why?’
‘If I tell you my reason you will regard it as strictly confidential?’