She stopped for a moment, then added doubtfully:
“I don’t suppose I’ve made it clear; but it is so. I feel as if a weight were off my mind. I don’t care how long it is before the Kestrel comes back.”
“What’s the Kestrel got to do with it?” asked Douglas.
“I can’t tell you,” she said, in a lighter tone. “It’s my turn to play the mystery-man, Mr. Westenhanger. But everything will be all right when the Kestrel drops anchor in the bay. I feel sure of that.”
“Are you talking about the Talisman?” demanded Westenhanger.
“No! What’s the Kestrel got to do with the Talisman?” Eileen asked in surprise. “I only meant my own affairs. I can’t tell you anything about the Talisman. I know nothing about it.”
Westenhanger accepted her statement without comment.
“Then I take it that you think we ought to use this affair”—he indicated the cabinet—“to track down the fellow who stole the Talisman? Things are to be left as they are, so far as you’re concerned? You don’t want us to say anything to the rest of them?”
“No, certainly not.” There was no hesitation in her tone. “You’ve got a trump card with this thing, Mr. Westenhanger. You know that well enough. And the thief must be found. One has to agree even with Mr. Stickney at times. He’s quite right. We are all under suspicion until this thing is cleared up; and I think it ought to be cleared up. I know just exactly how it feels to be under suspicion. You must see it through to the end and catch the thief. I’m sure you can—you’re quite clever enough for that—and it’s the only way to clear the rest of us completely. I wouldn’t hear of it being used and wasted merely to clear me personally and leave all the rest in the lurch. We’ve got other people to think of as well.”
“Very sporting of you, Eileen,” said Douglas. “I think you’re right. But if you change your mind, of course you’ll let us know?”