“On the other hand,” I went on, still speaking with off-hand tranquillity, “though you did not murder Sir Philip Clevedon you think you know who did.”
He drew himself slowly up from the chair and stood over me with a face that had gone curiously grey.
“I have in point of fact already begun my inquiries,” I went on, rising in my turn and looking him straight in the eyes. “Why hasn’t Sir William Clevedon come to Cartordale to take up his title and estate? He left his quarters in Ireland on the 19th, three or four days before Sir Philip Clevedon died. He is still absent from duty. You can learn a lot by well-placed telegrams in a very short time. Where is he now? Where was he on February 23rd?”
I knew now what Thoyne and Kitty Clevedon feared. He stood glaring at me for a moment or two, then buttoned his coat with fingers that trembled.
“I’ll go now,” he said. “I don’t know that I have done anybody much good by coming here but it seemed the quickest and straightest way.”
He did not offer his hand nor did he say another word, but opened the door himself without waiting for my help and disappeared.
CHAPTER XII
RONALD THOYNE DISAPPEARS
The next move in this very curious game was made by Pepster who called on me a few days after my interview with Ronald Thoyne.
“I have a warrant for Tulmin’s arrest,” he announced.
“Yes,” I said, “I am not surprised. I could see you were edging that way.”