"Simply because Henson asked me to. He came to me just before I went to the Metropole and told me he had a big thing on. He didn't give me the least idea what it was, nor did I ask him. He suggested the idea of the cigar-case, and said that I need not go near Walen's again, and I didn't. I assure you I had no curiosity on the matter. In any case a little thing like that couldn't hurt me. Some days later Henson came to me again, and asked me to go to Lockhart's and purchase the cigar-case I had previously seen. He wanted me to get the case so that I could not be traced. Again I agreed. I was leaving the Metropole the next day, so the matter was easy. I called and purchased the cigar-case on approval, I forwarded dollar-notes in payment from the Metropole, and the next day I left." "And you did all that without a single question?" "I did. It was only a little consideration for an old confederate." "And suppose that confederate had played you false?" Two tiny points of flame danced in Rawlins's eyes. "Henson would never have dared," he said. "My mind was quite easy on that score." "I understand," Chris murmured. "And you kept the cigar-case?" "Yes, I rather liked it. And I could afford a luxury of that kind just then." "Then why did you dispose of it to Rutter's in Moreton Wells? And why Moreton Wells?" Rawlins laughed as he lighted a fresh cigarette. "I came to Moreton Wells knowing that Henson was at Littimer Castle," he explained. "I went there to borrow L200 from Henson. Unfortunately I found him in great need of money. Somebody who had promised him a large sum of money had disappointed him." Chris smiled. She had heard all about Lady Littimer's adventure with the ring, and her stubborn refusal to give Henson any further supplies. "Presently I can tell you who disappointed Henson," she said. "But fancy you being short of--" "Of ready money; I frequently am. One of your great millionaires told me lately that he was frequently hard up for a thousand pounds cash. I have frequently been hard up for five pounds. Hence the fact that I sold the cigar-case at Moreton Wells." "Well, the ground is clear so far," said Chris. "Do you know Van Sneck?" "I know Van Sneck very well," Rawlins said, without hesitation. "A wonderfully clever man." "And a great scoundrel, I presume?" "Well, on the whole, I should say not. Weak, rather than wicked. Van Sneck has been a tool and creature of Henson's for years. If he could only keep away from the drink he might make a fortune. But what has Van Sneck got to do with it?" "A great deal," Chris said, drily. "And now, please, follow carefully what I am going to say. A little time ago we poor, persecuted women put our heads together to get free from Reginald Henson. We agreed to ask Mr. David Steel, the well-known novelist, to show us a way of escape. Unhappily for us, Henson got to know of it." Rawlins was really interested at last.