In his anxiety to prove his theory, Tod would then and there have taken his friend and Arnold over to the Pixy's House. But Gerald, more cool-headed than the impetuous Scotsman, pointed out that he had not sufficient grounds upon which to accuse the widow.
"If you ask her to explain her movements on that night she will only refuse to gratify your curiosity," said Haskins positively.
"The police could make her speak."
"The police could not arrest her without a warrant, and there is not, to my mind, sufficient evidence to obtain a warrant. And certainly the police cannot ask questions about anyone's private affairs until some reason can be given to show why such questions should be asked."
"Those ladies said that they were at Bognor, when they really intended to come to Devonshire," observed Arnold, who seemed to side entirely with Macandrew.
"It is a woman's privilege to change her mind, Mr. Arnold. And I ask you, what possible motive could Mrs. Crosbie have had to journey all the way to Devonshire to commit an unnecessary murder."
"Unnecessary?" snorted Tod, displeased. "Seeing that the murder is ascribed to Mavis, who may thus be shut up, to provide Rebb with an income, I cannot see that it is unnecessary."
"Ah, but Mrs. Crosbie did not know that the Major's income depended upon the seclusion of Mavis," said Haskins rapidly. "I did not tell her, as there was no reason why I should. And I am quite certain that Rebb himself would not explain. If Mrs. Crosbie had known that his income was so uncertain she would have refused to marry him."
"Perhaps she will do so now," said Arnold hopefully.
"No! She has come down to see about the repairs to the Pixy's House," answered Gerald, "and Rebb loves her too well to let her go. I believe, Tod, that Geary is the man who committed the murder."