`No!' Arbor insisted, gripping the arms of the chair in his earnestness. `That is precisely what I do not mean. I feared you would think so, as your colleague indicated this afternoon. And I was careful to point' out to all of you there could have been no legal steps taken against me had I done so… But, Inspector, I did not do it. I will take my oath on it.
'When the manuscript was stolen it was as much of a surprise to me as it was to Bitton. The first I heard of the theft, you see, was when he telephoned to my friends, the Spenglers, on Sunday night to… ah… to see where I was. But then…'
He caught Dr Fell's cold eye, and there was a new vehemence in his tone.
`Then, considerably later the same night, I received another phone call at the Spenglers'.'
'Ah!' grunted the doctor. `From whom?'
`The person refused to give his name. But I was almost positive I knew whose voice it was. I thought it was the voice of young Mr Driscoll.'
Dr Fell jumped. He glared at Arbor, who returned his gaze with a dogged steadiness. Arbor went on:
`I reviewed everything in my mind, and I was sure. I had met this young man at dinner the week before, when I had made almost reckless remarks and exceedingly broad hints about the Poe manuscript. The only other persons who could have heard them were Miss Bitton and Sir William; they were the only others at the table… Hence I was sure when this voice spoke. He asked me whether I was interested in a Poe manuscript belonging to Sir William Bitton, and gave such details of what I remembered having said, that I had no doubt. He asked me what price I should be willing to pay, no questions asked, if the manuscript were handed over to me.
`I am ah. accustomed to rapid decisions and prompt action, Inspector. I was, sure I; was dealing, with a member of the family. The voice, it is true, was somewhat gruff; but I had little difficulty in seeing through, the disguise. Dealing with a member of the family was very different from dealing with a hired burglar. In case of trouble, there would be no scandal. In any case, there could be no prosecution against me.. This person naturally did not know I was the owner of the manuscript; nobody did. If, therefore, he had any ideas of blackmail in his mind after the theft, I could afford to smile. He would be the only one to take the risk.
`I reviewed my position in a moment, Inspector, and I perceived that this was… ah… the easiest solution of, my difficulties. After the manuscript came to my hands, I could always drop a note to Sir William explaining my ownership, and referring him to my solicitors in case he did not believe me and wished to prosecute. I knew he would not do so. Besides, it was… ah… obvious,' said Arbor, hesitantly, `that the amount of the commission… ah…'