This implication, that he stood aloof from the crime and its consequences, did nothing to advance his popularity with the three other men. Even Joseph shook his head in a foreboding way; and Mottisfont went so far as to say that they were all in it, one just as much as another.
"I'm afraid I can hardly agree with you!" said Roydon, in a head-voice. "I don't want to cast any aspersions on anyone, but I had no quarrel with Mr. Herriard!"
Just what do you mean by that, young man?" Mottisfont demanded, his eyes snapping behind his spectacles.
Stephen yawned. "That you and I did. I wonder if I'm as boring as the rest of you? Perhaps I'd better go to bed. What's the name of Uncle Nat's solicitor, Joe?"
"Filey, Blyth, and Blyth," answered Joseph. "But John Blyth has always handled poor Nat's affairs."
"Know his home address?"
"No; but I expect it's in the Telephone Directory, for I'm nearly sure he lives in London. Why? Do you think we ought -"
"I'll ring him up in the morning," Stephen said, and lounged out.
Mottisfont watched him go, his expression one of open dislike. "Taking a lot on himself, isn't he?" he said disagreeably.
Joseph, who had looked a little surprised, rallied, and said briskly: "Nonsense! Stephen knows what a muddleheaded old fellow I am. Quite right of him! Good gracious, Edgar, I hope you aren't trying to make me jealous of my own nephew! That would be rather too much of a good thing!"