"For amusement merely," replied Tait, rather scandalizing the vicar by this answer. "The waiter began to speak of it, and I encouraged him; later on I heard the story from a gardener."
"From Dicky Pental," interrupted Miss Pike vivaciously. "Oh, he can tell you nothing—he is mad!"
"Mad or not, he told me a great deal."
"All false, no doubt. My dear Mr. Tait," continued the lady impressively, "only one person can tell you the truth of that case. Myself!"
"Or Louisa Sinclair."
"Louisa Sinclair! What do you know about her?"
"Nothing, save her name," replied Tait; "but I want to know more. Can you give me the required information?"
"Yes. Come and have afternoon tea with me to-day, and I'll tell you all. Oh, yes," said Miss Pike, with a self-satisfied nod, "I know who killed Captain Larcher."
"Jeringham—Denis, the valet—Hilliston?"
"No. Those three people are innocent. I can swear to it. I know it."