"He wanted me to play low down," said Jasher gloomily; "but as you are my employer, and have the money--I must be frank," he broke off in a burst of confidence--"you have the cash and Bocaros hasn't, so I stick to you."
"Thanks!" said Arnold dryly. "Well?"
"I am still friends with Bocaros," went on Jasher calmly, "as I don't want him to suspect, and I must keep an eye on him. However, he's found out several things." Here Jasher stopped and looked at Arnold firmly. "You, sir, were the man with the pointed beard who spoke to Mulligan, and had the latch-key."
"How can you prove that?" asked Calvert quietly.
"Well, sir, I went to the theatre and saw that your make-up was the same as that described by Mulligan; also the clothes. Then Bocaros and I found out from your understudy that you were away from the theatre till after nine, and the woman was killed about that time. Finally, Mrs. Fane's maid told me that a stage dagger of the sort you wear in the second act of the play was found in the dustbin of Ajax Villa. You inherit the fortune, sir, and that taken in conjunction with these circumstances makes Bocaros think you killed the poor woman yourself. I'm afraid I wasn't so careful with the professor as I should have been," said Jasher apologetically; "but, now I know he is your enemy, I will keep my eye on him."
"The professor knows all this?"
"Yes. He learned something of it from Mrs. Fane's maid, and he was at supper with me, when we spoke to your understudy, Hart. Bocaros wanted to go to Derrick with the information; but I persuaded him not to do so for the present. But there's no denying that you are in a difficult position, and the professor is dangerous."
"Calvert pitched his cigarette on the floor and glanced out of the window. He was not so surprised as Jasher expected him to be, as he had always mistrusted Bocaros. But he recognised his danger, and spoke frankly.
"What do you think, Jasher?"
"I don't think you did it, sir, if that's what you ask me."