"Perhaps. I was not averse from frightening her a little if I could."
"Not very generous," I said.
"I don't feel generous. She'd have to come down very handsomely to make me drink her health."
"If your story is the correct one, there may be a reason for your aunt leading so secluded a life," I went on. "In marrying your uncle she may have tricked her confederates."
"It is more than possible," Jardine answered.
"Do you know any of them who would be likely to do her an injury?" I asked.
"You're thinking I would give the old woman away to them?" he laughed. "No; I have worked on the shady side at times, but I am not so bad as that."
"I wasn't thinking so."
"Then I don't understand your question. Is it likely I should have acquaintances in a gang of Continental thieves?"
"The night before last Mrs. Jardine was murdered," I said quietly.