“Whoever did it, Ludovic, was able to obtain a handkerchief of yours to leave beside the body,” Shield reminded him. “He must also have known that Plunkett was dining at Slaugham that evening, and guessed at least that he would return by the path through the Longshaw Spinney.”
“Yes, but to plan a cold-blooded murder just to dispose of me, and then pretend belief in my story—No, surely he could not do it!”
“Hush!” said Miss Thane impressively. “The whole affair is becoming as clear as daylight to me. He did not plan it; I dare say he never went beyond wishing that some accident would befall Ludovic—oh, I beg your pardon!—befall Lord Lavenham—”
“‘Ludovic’ will do,” interposed his lordship, grinning up at her. “I count you as quite one of the family.”
“I wish you may, for I assure you I regard myself as irrevocably bound to this adventure. Do not interrupt me! Let us say that he thought quite idly how fortunate it would be if Ludovic met with an accident. He would not dare to contrive one, for being the next in succession suspicion might fall on him. Well then, Ludovic lost his talisman ring, and Basil saw—No, I am wrong! At first he saw nothing. But Ludovic began to play into his hands—really, Ludovic, I believe it was all your fault: you tempted Basil beyond what he could resist.”
“I did not!” said Ludovic indignantly.
“You know nothing of the matter, my dear boy. You and Chance between you showed Basil how he could be rid of you. You became enraged with the man whose name Eustacie cannot remember (or I, for that matter), and I dare say you were drinking heavily, and—”
“He was,” said Sir Tristram.
“Of course. He was in a mood for violence. I’ve no doubt he talked very wildly, and swore he would be avenged. Now you must think, Ludovic, if you please! Did not Basil know that you meant to waylay that man upon—upon the fatal night?”
“I don’t know. I think I made no secret of it. Basil knew the whole story.”