"This is all theory," said Jennings impatiently.
"We can only theorize in our present state of uncertainty," was the reply of the nobleman. "But my explanation is a reasonable one."
"I do not deny that. But why should Maraquito send for Mrs. Octagon?"
"Why?" echoed Caranby in surprise, "in order to stop the marriage with Cuthbert. Maraquito loves Cuthbert and hates Juliet. I daresay this is the solution of Mrs. Octagon's strange behavior since the death. It is Maraquito who is stopping the marriage by threatening to denounce Mrs. Octagon for the murder of her aunt. Juliet knows this, and hence her reticence."
"It might be so," murmured Jennings, more and more perplexed. "But Miss Saxon won't be reticent with me. I'll see her to-morrow."
"What means will you use to make her speak?"
"I'll tell her that Cuthbert may be arrested for the crime. You know he was about the place on the night of the murder."
"Yes. He went down to look after a possible ghost. But I hope you will not bring Cuthbert into the matter unless it is absolutely necessary. I don't want a scandal."
"Rest easy, Lord Caranby. I have the complete control of this affair, and I'll only use Cuthbert's presence at Rexton to make Miss Saxon speak out. But then, she may not be keeping silence for Cuthbert's sake, as she can't possibly know he was at Rexton on that night. My own opinion is that she is shielding her brother."
"Do you suspect him?" asked Caranby quickly.