"Oh, you can't say that, Uncle Jen," remonstrated David.
"Yes, I can, sir. If Maurice had not been prevented from seeing Isabella, there would have been no necessity for him to call on Etwald at Deanminster; and if he had not done that he would not have been on the high road in the night to meet with his death. Mrs. Dallas and her infernal negress are at the bottom of the whole accursed business."
Of course this was mere raving on the part of Jen, who had no reason to connect either woman with the crime; but the poor man was beside himself with grief at the loss of Maurice, and hardly knew what he was saying. Being in this frame of mind he was by no means pleased when shortly after the delivery of Mrs. Dallas' message Dido made her appearance with a request for a personal interview.
"I shan't see that black witch," cried the poor major. "David--Etwald, send her away."
"I wouldn't if I were you, major!" said Etwald, judiciously; "she might be the bearer of valuable information, likely to lead to the detection of Alymer's assassin."
"Then let her see the police, sir, although I don't agree with you. She is not the woman to put a rope round her own neck--black as it is."
"But surely, Uncle Jen, you don't look upon her as the guilty person!"
"How do I know who is guilty?" snapped Jen. "I wish I did! I'd hang him or her. But this black wretch and her confounded mistress have to do with the death of my poor boy, I am certain."
"I doubt it. But will you see Dido or shall I send her away?"
"Yes--no--yes. That is, I don't wish to see her. Ask her what she wants, David."