“And if he did, Hugh would acquire the old man’s fortune, and Benton would step in and seize it—as is his intention.”
“Undoubtedly. All we can do is to keep Hugh and Louise apart. The latter is in entire ignorance of the true profession of her adopted father, and she’d be horrified if she knew that Molly was simply a clever adventuress, who is very much wanted in Paris and in Brussels,” said the gloved man.
“A good job that she knows nothing,” said Howell. “But it would be a revelation to her if the police descended upon Shapley Manor—wouldn’t it?”
“Yes. That is why I must see Dorise Ranscomb and ascertain from her exactly what she has heard. I know the police tracked Hugh to London, and for that reason he went with Benton down into Surrey—out of the frying-pan into the fire.”
“Well, before we can go farther, it seems that we should ascertain who shot Yvonne,” Howell suggested. “It was a most dastardly thing, and whoever did it ought to be punished.”
“He ought. But I’m as much in the dark as you are, Howell; but, as I have already said, I entertain strong suspicions.”
“I’ll suggest one name—Benton?”
The Sparrow shook his head.
“The manservant, Giulio Cataldi?” Howell ventured. “I never liked that sly old Italian.”
“What motive could the old fellow have had?”