When Zirknitz sauntered out of the room, Mrs. Moxton looked after him with a singular expression. "What do you think of him?" she asked. "He is clever. It is a great pity he does not put his talents to better use." "Oh," Mrs. Moxton shrugged her shoulders, "I don't ask you about his character. I know about that well enough. But do you think he is speaking the truth?" "Yes. He has no reason to tell a lie. I daresay he did see Busham." "And do you think Mr. Busham is guilty?" "I can't say. We have not sufficient evidence to go upon." Mrs. Moxton turned the conversation abruptly. "Did you read the will?" "Yes. I see that all the money is left to you. I will give you back the document to-morrow. What time do you wish me to call?" "About eleven o'clock. I have written to Mr. Busham making an appointment for mid-day. I am glad you are coming with me," said the widow, sighing; "it will be a difficult interview." "That remains to be seen. At any rate, we are not so defenceless as we were before. If Busham accuses you--although I don't see on what grounds he can do so--we can denounce him on the evidence of Zirknitz." "He will deny that he was at Dukesfield." "Zirknitz can swear to his presence." "No doubt, but will Rudolph do so? He is so afraid of the police." Ellis reflected for a moment. "You are not so candid with me as you might be, Mrs. Moxton," said he, seriously, "therefore you render my task the more difficult. But answer me truly now. Has Zirknitz ever done anything for which he is wanted by the police?" "Not to my knowledge," replied the widow, frankly, "but he is such a coward, and his life is so open to danger, that the very name of the law terrifies him beyond expression. It is for this reason that I am certain of his innocence, and for the same reason I shielded him by feigning ignorance of the cryptogram. But we can talk of these things later. I am tired now." In this abrupt way she dismissed Ellis, and he left the house sorely puzzled, his constant state of mind in reference to Mrs. Moxton. If he did marry her he would marry the sphinx. That was clear enough.