"The question of robbery does not enter into the crime," remarked Caldew. "The motive, as we have established it, is quite different." "I have been told of the motive you allege against this unhappy girl," said Phil indignantly. "That idea is utterly preposterous. Again, I say, I believe that you have made a blunder. I do not think Hazel would handle a revolver. She was always very nervous of fire-arms." "That is quite true," murmured Miss Heredith. "A jealous woman forgets her fears," said the detective rather maliciously. "She didn't stop to think of that when she wanted to use the revolver." "And where did she get it from?" asked Phil quickly. Caldew shrugged his shoulders, but remained silent. "You still persist in thinking that she obtained the revolver from the gun-room?" Phil continued. "Yes, I do." "Do you not intend to make any further inquiries? You had better see Nepcote about the revolver. I will give you his address." "Captain Nepcote left here to go to the front, and we have not heard from him since," Miss Heredith explained to the detective. In a calmer moment Caldew might have realized the expediency of Phil's suggestion, but his professional dignity was affronted at what he considered the young man's attempt to interfere in the case and direct the course of the police investigations. It was the desire to snub what he regarded as a meddlesome interposition in his own business which prompted him to reply: "It is a matter of small importance, one way or the other. It is sufficient for the Crown case to know the owner of the revolver. The point is that the murder was committed with it, and it was subsequently found in the girl's possession." "I have nothing more to say to you," said Phil. "Are you convinced now, Phil?" asked Miss Heredith sadly, when Caldew had taken his departure. "It was hard for me to believe at first, but everything seems so certain." "I am not at all convinced," was the stern reply. "On the contrary, I feel sure that some terrible mistake has been made. I would stake my life on the innocence of Hazel Rath. How can you, who have known her so long, believe she would do a deed like this? The detective who has just left us is obviously a fool, and I am not satisfied that all the facts about Violet's death have been brought to light. I am going to London at once to bring another detective to inquire into the case. You know more about these things than me, Musard--can you tell me of a good man?" "If you are determined to bring in another detective, you cannot do better than get Colwyn," replied Musard. "Colwyn--the famous private detective? He is the very man I should like. Where is he to be found?" "He has rooms somewhere near Ludgate Circus. I will write down the address. I think he will come, if he is not otherwise engaged." "Why should he refuse?" demanded Phil haughtily. "I will pay him well."