“Only that I’ve heard that you are considering the possibility of her being implicated. Are you?”
“I’m considering any possibility I can find to consider. Yes, since you ask me, I am looking into the question of your aunt’s connection with the case. I know you want me to be frank.”
“I do. Have you any real evidence to work on?”
“Only talk. Only somewhat vague reports that I have yet to investigate.”
“Reports, no doubt, from Mrs Everett, my aunt’s longtime foe.”
“Yes, that’s the source of the hints I had given me. But Mrs Everett does not accuse your aunt——”
“She’d better not!”
“Oh, she doesn’t. But the matter must be looked into, for there is a motive, and your aunt——Really, I can’t discuss this thing with you, Mr Bates!”
“But you must. I’m in charge,—I’m going to find out who killed my uncle. I admit I hadn’t a great desire to know his murderer, when I supposed it was some girls or women with whom he was mixed up in a frivolous way. But if my aunt’s name is so much as breathed, of course, I must discover the real murderer to save her reputation. She no more did it than I did,—but I daresay the people who suspect her would also implicate me!”
“Don’t speak like that. I’ve only a hint to go upon, and though I must follow it up, it’s an easy matter, no doubt, for all your aunt’s household to state an alibi and that settles it.”