Audrey shuddered. "I should not like a dowry earned in that way," she said.
"Why not? I am on the side of justice, and it is right to hunt down criminals who vex law-abiding citizens. My profession is a glorious one, although it is looked at askance. However, when I marry Edwin--he is a purser on a liner--I shall give up hunting for criminals. The arrest of Lady Branwin's murderer will be my last achievement in this line."
Ralph glanced at Audrey, and she looked down at her husband. The same thought was in the minds of both. It was Shawe who put it into words.
"Can you expect a man to supply a reward for his own capture?" asked the young man.
Perry Toat raised her eyebrows. "What do you mean? Oh, I see," and she laughed softly. "Set your mind at rest, Mrs. Shawe. I do not believe that your father is guilty." She paused for effect, then added, calmly: "I have seen Miss Rosy Pearl."
Ralph threw away his cigarette with an ejaculation. "Oh! and did she tell you the truth?"
"She told me a great deal which I shall impart to you gradually. Her--"
"One moment," interrupted Ralph, hurriedly, "tell me your opinion of her. Is she really a stupid woman, or is that stupidity feigned?"
"You ask me a hard question," said the little woman, gravely. "She is stupid in many ways; but she has a cunning, protective instinct, like that of many animals with small brain power. And this cunning is cleverly masked by her apparent simplicity."
"Ah!" said the barrister, significantly, "then she was really in the passage on that night?"