"Yes, by finding his daughter," assented Perry Toat, who looked a sharp little rat of a woman as she sat at the table. "And now, let us come to your business, Miss Branwin. I can't give you much time, so please state what you wish to see me about as speedily as possible."
"I speak in confidence, of course," hesitated Audrey, rather embarrassed.
"Of course, in strictest confidence. What is it?"
"It is about Mr. Shawe. I can't understand him."
"But you are engaged to marry him."
"Yes." Audrey flushed. "And I love him very dearly. I don't mind telling you this, as you are a woman and can understand. But lately there is something queer about him. I wish him to learn who murdered my mother, and he has been trying. But over a week ago he asked me to give up the search."
"Oh"--Perry Toat sat up alertly--"he asked you to give up the search. Why?"
Miss Branwin felt in her pocket and brought out the anonymous letter. "For this reason," she said, passing it to Perry Toat. "This letter warns me that if I persist in searching into the case I shall experience the greatest grief of my life."
"Oh!" said Perry Toat again, and ran her sharp eyes over the ill-written lines. "And Mr. Shawe agrees with this letter?"
"Yes. He is most anxious to get me to give up searching, and always avoids answering my questions as much as he can. To-day I had an appointment to see him in Kensington Gardens, but he did not appear. This is the first time he has ever behaved in this way, so I came at once to ask you if you can tell me the reason for his change of mind."