"So you believe that she murdered his lordship?"
"Undoubtedly. Who else could have done it? Who else had a motive for doing it. My theory is that her ladyship wanted to escape, that his lordship tried to prevent her, and so she shot him. Don't you agree with me, Mr. Judson?"
"It is impossible for me to express an opinion at present. I have not had time to collect enough data," replied the detective pompously.
"He puts on such a lot of side, I believe he's an ass," thought Cyril, heaving a sigh of relief. "But what about the missing jewels?" he said aloud. "Their disappearance certainly provides a motive for the crime?"
"Yes, but only Lord and Lady Wilmersley knew the combination of the safe."
"Who says so?"
"All the servants are agreed as to that. Besides, a burglar would hardly have overlooked the drawers of Lord Wilmersley's desk, which contained about £300 in notes."
"The thief may not have got as far as the library. Lady Wilmersley occupied the blue room, I suppose."
"Not at all. At the time of his marriage Lord Wilmersley ordered a suite of rooms on the ground floor prepared for his bride's reception," replied the vicar.
"And this swimming-bath? Where is that? There was none when I was here as a child."