“I think it would be a mistake to act immediately, inspector. But, of course, I'll take the responsibility off your shoulders. I'll put it in writing for you now if you wish it.”
Armadale in turn shook his head.
“No need for that, sir. You never let any of us down. But what's your objection?”
Sir Clinton seemed undecided for a moment.
“For one thing, inspector,” he said at last, “there's a flaw in that case of yours. You may be right in essentials; but you've left a loose end. And that brings me to another thing. There are far too many loose ends in the business, so far as it's gone. Before we do anything irrevocable in the way of bringing definite charges, we must get these loose ends fixed up.”
“You mean, sir?”
“I mean we'll have to eliminate other possibilities. Billingford is one. I hope to throw some light on that point to-night, inspector, about midnight. And that reminds me, you might get the light ready to throw—a couple of good flash-lamps will be enough, I think. Bring them along here about 11.30 p.m. and ask for me. Then there's the dame with the neat shoe. She's a loose end in the tangle. . . .”
“I've been looking into that, sir.”
Sir Clinton's approval was obviously genuine.
“Really, inspector, you've done remarkably well in the short time you've had. That's good work indeed. And what are the results?”