Durgo struck his large hands together in despair. "I fear my master Edwin Lister is dead," he said mournfully.
"Why?" asked Bella and her lover simultaneously.
"Miss Huxham, you repeated to me that Granny Tunks in her trance said that the knife lying on the floor when the cripple entered to kill Huxham, was already bloody. Can't you see?"
"See what?"
"That if the knife were already bloody, Huxham must have killed my master Edwin Lister, and then was killed in turn by Vand the cripple."
Cyril looked impatient. "That is all the black magic rubbish you talk of."
"Well, then, if my master, your father, is alive and has the jewels, why does he not write to me or to you? He knows he can trust us both. Even the advertisements have failed. No"—Durgo looked gloomy—"my heart misgives me sadly!" He arose abruptly. "Meet me at the 'Chequers,' Cyril Lister, and I shall tell you what I learn from Mrs. Tunks."
"Can't I come also to see her?"
"Yes, if you like. Perhaps I shall be able to dispel your disbelief regarding these occult powers which she and I possess."
"Is that why Mrs. Tunks calls you master?"