"No," said the detective dismally. "I've found out nothing. Not one of the servants have seen the fellow."
As he spoke Torry mechanically looked at Miss Hargone's face. She was staring at him hard; therefore, with some embarrassment, his eyes dropped to her hands. Then he made a discovery, for on the third finger of her right hand was a silver ring set with three blue stones.
CHAPTER XIII
[A SOLDIER OF FORTUNE]
Having garnered all obtainable evidence, for the time being at Wray House; the detective and his coadjutor returned to town. Before their departure, however, Blake noted the address of his old schoolfellow, and promised to pay him a visit at an early date. Darrel, knowing that Roderick wished to assist in finding out the mystery, resolved to ask Torry if he would permit him to do so. This request he made when they were in the train on their way back to Waterloo.
"What do you think of my friend Blake?" he asked, abruptly.
"A nice fellow, but flippant," replied Torry. "Not much earnestness of purpose there."
"I am sorry you think so, as Blake is anxious to assist us in this matter. It seems that he was a great friend of Mr. Grent's, and is naturally angered by his cowardly assassination; also, he has nothing to do, and wishes to employ his time. What do you say?"
"Humph! Mr. Blake is the lover of Miss Hargone?"
"Yes he is engaged to marry her. Is that any bar to your utilising his services?"