"Don't forget that there are some crimes which don't achieve the immortality of a detective story, because they are never explained," I said warningly.
He merely smiled, but I knew my warning would go for nothing,--and secretly I was glad. There are things more to be desired than safety.
[CHAPTER XII]
ON THE TRAIL OF DIAVOLO
Jordan gained rapidly in strength, and was soon in condition to return, a sadder, wiser, and poorer man, to Eden Valley. I determined, however, to accompany him, and see if I could gather on the ground any further details about the serpent, my inquiries by mail bringing, as I have told, but unsatisfactory answers. But before leaving Saintsbury, I called again upon my client in the jail. I found him, as always, the gentle, nice-mannered, puzzling youth.
"I am going away for a while in your interests," I said, by way of greeting.
"That's awfully good of you," he said gratefully. Then with polite concern he added, "I hope you aren't giving yourself any trouble--"
"Oh, I sha'n't mind a little inconvenience when it is in the way of business," I said drily. "It may be a matter of entire indifference to you, but I want to win my case!"
"Oh, yes, of course," he said with anxious courtesy. I could see that he had no idea what I meant! There was no use trying to arouse him in that way, and I might as well accept his attitude.
"Did you know that Barker had a partner?" I asked abruptly.