[He was Diavolo's partner," he said vehemently. Page 137.]>
He let his chin sink upon his breast, and closed his eyes. Jean telegraphed me a look of comment, interpretation and exhortation. I half guessed what she meant, but I was too keen on my own trail to consider making things easy for the old man.
"I believe you came to Saintsbury to look up Alfred Barker," I said, quietly.
He did not answer or open his eyes, but I felt that his silence was now alert instead of dormant, and presently a slow shiver ran over his frame.
"It was a shock to you to find that he was dead, was it not?"
He roused himself to look at me. "I can't get at Diavolo except through him. He was Diavolo's partner," he said vehemently.
"I am quite ready to believe that," I said heartily. But Jean had the good sense not to be frivolous. She was smoothing the old man's hand softly.
"Who is Diavolo?" she asked simply.
"If I knew! He was careful enough not to give his name." He was trembling with excitement and his voice broke in his throat.