“It would be difficult to question him upon such a subject.”
“Of course it would; and I don’t suppose that even he has taken the trouble to keep himself posted in the movements of that very ugly customer. Having shunted the lady he wouldn’t be likely to concern himself about the gentleman.”
“A quarter of a century,” said Theodore, too thoughtful to give a direct answer. “Yes, it must be very difficult to trace any man after such an interval; but if that man went to Cheriton Chase he must have left some kind of trail behind him, and it will go hard with me if I don’t get upon that trail. I thank you, Mr. Adkins, for the most valuable information I have obtained yet, and if any good comes of it you shall know. Good night.”
“Good night, sir. I shall be very glad to aid in the cause of justice. Yes, I remember the Cheriton Chase murder, and I should like to see the mystery cleared up.”
CHAPTER XXIII.
“Upon a tone,
A touch of hers, his blood would ebb and flow,
And his cheek change tempestuously ...
But she in these fond feelings had no share;
Her sighs were not for him; to her he was