"This solves the mystery," said Tracey quietly, "now we'll learn the truth."
CHAPTER XVII
[THE PROFESSOR'S TRUMP CARD]
Inspector Derrick called to see Fane with rather a downcast expression of countenance. The meaning of this was explained in his conversation.
"I've done my best, sir, and there's nothing to be discovered."
"You mean as regards the murder of this woman Brand?" asked Walter.
"What else would I mean!" replied Derrick dismally. "I have no call to see you about anything else, sir!"
"The two men were seated in the morning-room where Mrs. Fane had conversed with Laura. Walter, seated near the window, did not look well. There were dark circles under his pale eyes, which hinted at sleepless nights. Also there was a smell of ether in the room as though he had been taking drugs. Derrick delicately ascribed his looks to the fact of the unpleasant occurrence which had taken place in the house.
"I suppose you've come to think it haunted, sir?" he suggested.
"No, I don't like the idea of living in a house in which a murder has been committed. But I don't believe in the supernatural. For the sake of my wife and child I am giving up the villa, and we intend to live abroad for a time. But I should like the mystery solved, and the assassin of that poor woman brought to justice before I go."