There was a pause.
"If I killed him, you were an accessory," said the Duke.
"I helped to bury him, if that's what you mean," said Hank coolly, "and that was against my wishes; you will remember that I suggested that he should be chucked into the river."
"True," said the Duke moodily, "it has always been my cursed failing, this burying business—you forget I was intended for the Church."
"You didn't bury the Earl," said Hank significantly, and they both laughed boisterously.
As for Mr. Nape, his blood froze and his teeth started chattering.
He was left in doubt as to the dreadful end of the unfortunate nobleman, for the Duke changed the subject.
"Look here, Hank, will you be content if I hand over the necklace, and the tiara, and a cheque for £5,000?"
"A crossed cheque?" asked the cautious Hank.
"A crossed cheque," said the Duke firmly, "on the London and South Western Bank."