No one paid the slightest heed to this interruption. Sir Tristram said: “Very well, if you are determined, Ludovic, I don’t propose to waste time in trying to persuade you. Are you serious in thinking that the ring may be behind that panel?”
“Of course I’m serious! It’s the very place for it. Where else would he be likely to put it?”
“If I help you to get into the house, can you find the panel?”
“I can try,” said Ludovic hopefully.
“Yes, no doubt,” returned Shield, “but I have assisted in one aimless search for it, and I’ve no desire to repeat the experience.”
“Once I’m in the house you can leave it to me,” said Ludovic. “I’m bound to recognize the panelling when I see it.”
“I hope you may,” replied Shield. “The Beau spoke of going to town one day this week, and that should be our opportunity.”
Miss Thane coughed. “And how—the question just occurs to me, you know—shall you get into the Dower House, sir?”
“We can break in through a window,” answered Ludovic. “There’s no difficulty about that.”
She cast a demure glance up at Shield. “I am afraid you will never get Sir Tristram to agree to do anything so rash,” she said.