"Waiting for me. She would not stop in Switzerland, as it was too far away, so she came to Amsterdam. I can run over and see her there whenever I like, until this infernal business of the murder is cleared up and I can bring her back to England."
"I am glad she is in Holland," remarked Gerald, and told Tod how Mrs. Crosbie and her mother intended to go to Switzerland, and of his dread lest they might meet Charity.
Tod nodded. "It is just as well," he answered. "However, Charity is all right and snug, so I am at your disposal. Mavis and Mrs. Pelham Odin are at Southend?"
"Yes, where Rebb is not likely to look for them. As for myself I am going to Devonshire to-morrow to see Geary and Arnold."
"Arnold? Yes, I should like to interview him, and see if he has picked up any further information. As to Geary?--do you suspect him?"
"Yes and no. According to Rebb, Geary gave the knife to Bellaria, and certainly I shot Geary in the right arm, so on the night of the murder he was in no condition to kill the woman. Geary, I believe, is guiltless; but he knows Rebb's secrets, and I wish to force him into telling them."
"Hum," said Tod, nursing his chin. "Do you believe that Rebb----"
"I don't know what to believe of Rebb," interrupted Gerald quickly. "As I told you, Mr. Arnold thinks that Rebb stabbed Bellaria. He may have done so, or he may not: at all events I am going down to find out."
Then Haskins related what he had learned about the coral hand, and how Venosta had disclaimed the murder. "Which he would not have done, Tod, had the society executed vengeance on Bellaria."
"But by confessing he would run his neck into a noose."