Brendon looked down. "I think it will be best to let sleeping dogs lie, sir," he said significantly.
"Because of some scandal," said Derrington, looking hard at him. "Are you alluding to the possibility of Mrs. Ward having killed her?"
At this supposition George laughed right out. "No, sir. I don't think Mrs. Ward would go so far as that."
"She would, were there no law to restrain her."
"I dare say. She has the instincts of a female despot. But as there is a law she would not jeopardize her neck. No, I mean Ireland."
Derrington sat up. "Nonsense! Do you mean to say he is guilty?"
"I don't think so, but Bawdsey has an idea," and George related the theory of the detective. Derrington grunted in a disgusted manner.
"The man's a born idiot," he said. "Why should Ireland run the risk of getting his neck into a noose for a second crime? If he thought that she would leave a confession behind inculpating him, he would have waited to make certain. I don't believe there is a word of truth in the matter. However, when you see him, you can question him about his doings on that night."
"I shall certainly do that," replied Brendon, quietly, "but failing Ireland (and his guilt is presumed by Bawdsey) there remains Margery."
"That idiot of a girl! Yes?"