"Or the Prince," interpolated Wake.
"No," replied the Inspector positively. "Not since he's had him staying in his house. It wouldn't be human nature for him to want to protect that chap."
"Do you think he saw something?" asked the Superintendent. "According to what he told Cook, he was called out to a case on Sunday afternoon, and must have driven past the Dower House. Did you happen to ask him?"
"No," replied Hemingway. "I didn't, because I knew what answer I'd get." He looked at his watch. "Well, I'm off to have a heart-to-heart with Mr. Harold White. He ought to be back from his work by now."
"You're going to question him about that tale you had from Mr. Dering and Miss Fanshawe?" said Wake. "Myself, I can't see that it's got anything to do with the murder."
"I've been told it's probably the clue to the whole mystery," responded Hemingway.
Wake blinked. "You have, sir? Who told you that?"
"Miss Fanshawe did," said Hemingway.
The Superintendent was so astonished by this answer that for some time after Hemingway had left the room he sat turning it over in his mind. Finally he said in somewhat severe accents: "What does Miss Fanshawe know about it? Seems a funny thing to me to act on what a kid like that says!"
"That's all right, sir: it's only his way of talking," said Wake indulgently. "Sharp as a needle, he is, I give you my word."