Sergeant McQuade's eyes widened at this statement. "A hundred thousand pounds!" he exclaimed. "And you intended to buy it from Mr. Ashton?"
The Major hesitated. "Yes," he stammered, "yes, I did."
"At what price?" came the question, cold and incisive.
"I—I—Mr. Ashton secured the jewel for me as my agent."
"But surely you were to give him some commission, some reward for his trouble. What was that reward, Major Temple?"
"I had promised him the hand of my daughter in marriage."
"And was he satisfied with that settlement?" continued the detective, ruthlessly.
"We had a slight disagreement. He—he wanted a cash payment in addition."
"Which you refused?"
"The matter had not been settled."