"Why did you tell Bruge about the second entrance of Agstone with the dagger?" asked Shepworth suddenly.
"Because he had already seen the dagger," rejoined Prelice promptly. "It is as well to tell the truth when possible, and just as well that the Inspector should think Agstone—who cannot now contradict—brought the dagger. You heard what he said yourself about Agstone's possible guilt. Our frankness will probably save Miss Chent, as the murder of Sir Oliver will be attributed to Agstone because he possessed that paper-cutter."
Shepworth groaned. "But if Bruge knew that I took it from Mona?"
"Then there would be serious trouble. Let things remain as they are, Ned. We know that Miss Chent is innocent, and must save her."
"But we don't know that Agstone is guilty. He certainly is not, on the reasoning of Bruge."
"No; seeing that we know Agstone did not bring the dagger here. But the man is dead, and if he can be made to act as scapegoat for an innocent woman, so much the better."
The barrister sighed. "We are environed by difficulties," he murmured; then added significantly and unexpectedly: "Jadby called to see me this evening."
"What!" Prelice was startled. "I thought that you had quarrelled."
"So we had—so we did—and with fists too. But when I was reading in the drawing-room, and thinking of my poor girl shut up in prison, I heard a ring at the front door. The servants had gone to the ball, as you know, so I had to open the door myself. Captain Jadby was there, and after a stiff greeting he asked for an interview. I took him into the drawing-room, and——"
"One moment. Did you close the outer door?"