“Unhappily, it has a tragic side for me.”
“Yes; the story cannot end here. You and your fiancée have suffered. Miss Layton must be a very estimable young lady—one worth winning. She will be a true and loyal wife.”
“Do you think you will be able to solve the riddle? Someone murdered my cousin.”
“That is our only solid fact at present. The family tradition is passing strange, but it will not serve in a court of law. I may fail, for the first time, but I will try hard. When can you accompany me to Stowmarket?”
The question disconcerted his eager auditor. The young man’s countenance clouded.
“Is it necessary that I should go there?” he asked.
“Certainly. You must throw aside all delicacy of feeling, sacrifice even your own sentiments. That is the one locality where you don’t wish to be seen, of course?”
“It is indeed.”
“I cannot help that. I must have the assistance of your local and family knowledge to decide the knotty points sure to arise when I begin the inquiry. Can you start this afternoon?”
“Yes.”