"But I do not understand, signor," said the Italian, in a perplexed tone, looking inquiringly at Mrs. Belswin.
"Oh yes, he can prove an alibi," said that lady, quickly. "The landlord of The Chequers can give evidence as to his being in the house all night."
"I did take a leetle walk."
"A walk!" ejaculated Maxwell, lifting his head.
"But I returned at ten hours," finished Ferrari, triumphantly. "No, signor, I have nothing to do with this death. I can swear it to your police. The man I spoke to had my diamond. It is found on the terrace. Ebbene! He alone can have lost it there."
"What motive could Belk have for killing Sir Rupert?" muttered Maxwell to himself.
"Eh, who knows?"
Mrs. Belswin said nothing. Her eyes were cast down, and she was tapping the ground nervously with her foot. The fact is she was in a state of considerable trepidation, as she fancied she knew the motive Belk had in killing Sir Rupert--a motive of which all but herself were ignorant. Belk loved her. He was in intelligence little raised above the brute of the fields; so if he had overheard the interview between herself and Sir Rupert, and seen how ignominiously she was treated, he might have--but no, it was too horrible; and with a cry she covered her face with her hands.
"What is the matter, Mrs. Belswin?" asked Maxwell, looking at her quickly.
Mrs. Belswin at once told a lie.