He got the connection in a moment or two and then astounded Wendover by asking for Ernest Shandon instead of Ardsley. After a few minutes, Wendover heard the beginning of the conversation.
“Sir Clinton Driffield speaking. Mr. Shandon, you must treat this as absolutely confidential. . . . Absolutely for yourself. Not a breath of it to anyone else, you understand? . . . I want you to keep an eye on your secretary . . . Yes, Stenness. I want him kept under observation. If you see him leave the house, ring me up immediately . . . Yes, at once . . . It won’t be for long. I’m coming across very shortly . . . I didn’t catch that . . . Yes, you weren’t far out in your suspicions. Most fortunate you mentioned the matter of the cheque . . . Anything further? Do you mean about the murderer? . . . Oh, I think I’ll have him to-morrow, quite possibly—if he doesn’t bolt. If he doesn’t bolt, I said. That’s the only thing I’m afraid of. . . . Yes, I’m sure that would interest you. After all, one’s skin is one’s dearest possession. Good-night. We shall be across shortly after dinner.”
Wendover had been able to gather the gist of the conversation from the side which he had heard.
“You’re afraid of Stenness doing a bolt? And you think he’s the man you’re after?”
“Really, Squire, you must take a reef in your questions,” Sir Clinton said, reproachfully. “I stretched a point to let you hear that talk; and I certainly didn’t intend to stand a cross-examination about it. You must make what you can out of it for yourself. And that reminds me, I’m afraid you can’t be present when I interview Master Stenness. You’ll just have to be a private caller this evening and wait for results till later.”
Wendover was not particularly pleased with this last news. He had evidently counted on hearing what Sir Clinton had to say to the secretary. However, he realised that he was in the hands of the Chief Constable and must do as he was told; so when they arrived at Whistlefield, he asked for Ernest Shandon while Sir Clinton went into the study to interview Stenness.
The secretary arrived in a few moments. He was still looking very anxious, perhaps even more anxious than in the morning. Sir Clinton wasted no time but came to grips with the subject at once.
“Now, Mr. Stenness, I’ve one or two questions to put to you. I may as well caution you that anything you say may be used against you if you are put on your trial.”
Stenness’s face betrayed less surprise than might have been expected.
“You say ‘if,’ but perhaps you mean ‘when’?”