“You’re really convinced he is a crook?”
“I’m certain of it! Grandmother and I met him at a Florida resort. As soon as he learned about the star sapphire, he attached himself to us like a leech. Soon he found out Grandmother is superstitious about the gem, so he started playing upon her feelings. He told her about this wretched society of his and painted the monastery in such glowing colors that Grandmother became fascinated.”
“So he talked her into coming here?”
“Yes,” Rhoda said bitterly, “it was only supposed to be for a day’s visit. But once we were inside the monastery, we became as prisoners. Letters are confiscated and there is no telephone.”
“You did get away once.”
“With Julia’s help—yes. Only once though. The place is guarded by Winkey and he is very watchful.”
“Tell me, have you seen Mr. Ayling, the insurance company investigator?”
“Mr. Ayling?” Rhoda was puzzled.
“I mean the man who was with me the day you peeped at us from behind the curtain in Father Benedict’s study,” Penny explained.
“Oh! No, only on that day.”