"You will not tell Bess or Ida?"
"That would be unwise. We must be certain of Sidney first. We shall say nothing to-night, but get Sidney to come over to 'The Pines' on the morrow and ask him frankly if he killed Carr."
"Bess is sure to ask you about Frisco," said Stephen.
"Oh, I can baffle her curiosity," replied Herrick. "I shall tell her nothing about my visit to the man. All about his arrest she can know."
"I think it will be better to hold our tongues altogether Jim. Ida is getting worried by this incessant mystery, although she knows very little."
"I'm sure I don't wonder. I'm worried myself. However, we must learn what we can from Sidney. I hope to Heaven the lad is innocent, but if he is not, I don't look upon him in the light of an ordinary criminal. He is a freak of nature. Were I put into the witness-box I could not say on my oath that he is mad."
"Let us drop the subject," said Stephen who looked haggard, "I am getting nervous and anxious."
Jim acquiesced in this sensible view and the two betook themselves to the magazines and newspapers. Until they arrived at Beorminster, they said little to one another, and even then were--for them--taciturn. A groom and cart awaited them, and they drove to Saxham in silence. It did not do to talk of Sidney with a servant at their elbows. But curiously enough the groom had news for Stephen, which brought in the name of Sidney.
"Please sir, that Italian woman----"
"What's the matter with her?" asked Herrick who was driving.