"Oh, she must be innocent," said the barrister, after an astonished pause. "I can't conceive she would admit so much if she were guilty. The very possession of the jewels would make the police certain of her guilt."
"But the police must never know," said Audrey, anxiously. "Remember, I tell you all this under seal of secrecy."
"Oh, I shall say nothing," Ralph assured her seriously--"especially as your aunt has been so candid as to dispel any suspicions that I may have entertained regarding her complicity in the crime."
"Then you don't believe in Perry Toat's theory?"
"No, I certainly do not. I have my own views."
"What are they?"
Shawe hesitated. "I shall tell you what they are when I am more certain of my suspicions."
"Then you do suspect someone?" asked the girl, swiftly.
"Yes and no; that is, I have found a mare's nest."
Audrey looked at him carefully. It struck her that his face was thin and pale, and that his eyes looked remarkably dull. "You are worrying, dear."