The girl bent nearer to him. "It seems a dreadful thing to say," she whispered, "but I must tell somebody--I can't, I daren't keep it to myself any longer! Mr. Levendale isn't telling the truth about that book!" Purdie involuntarily glanced at the door--and drew his chair nearer to Elsie's. "You're sure of that?" he whispered. "Just so! Now--in what way?" "It says here," answered Elsie, tapping the newspapers with her finger, "that Mr. Levendale lost this book in a 'bus, which he left at the corner of Chapel Street, and that he was so concerned about the loss that he immediately sent advertisements off to every morning newspaper in London. The last part of that is true--the first part is not true! Mr. Levendale did not lose his book--he did not leave it in the 'bus! I'm sorry to have to say it--but all that is invention on his part--why, I don't know." Purdie had listened to this with a growing feeling of uneasiness and suspicion. The clouds centring round Levendale were certainly thickening. "Now, just tell me--how do you know all this?" he asked. "Rely on me--to the full!" "I'll tell you," replied Elsie, readily. "Because, about four o'clock on the afternoon of the old man's death, I happened to be at the corner of Chapel Street. I saw Mr. Levendale get out of the 'bus. He did not see me. He crossed Edgware Road and walked rapidly down Praed Street. And--he was carrying that book in his hand!" "You're sure it was that book?" asked Purdie. "According to the description given in this account and in the advertisement--yes," she answered. "I noticed the fine binding. Although Mr. Levendale didn't see me--there were a lot of people about--I was close to him. I am sure it was the book described here." "And--he went in the direction of the pawnshop?" said Purdie. "What on earth does it all mean? What did he mean by advertising for the book, when--" Before he could say more, a knock came at the door, and the butler entered, bearing an open telegram in his hand. His face wore an expression of relief. "Here's a wire from Mr. Levendale, Miss Bennett," he said. "It's addressed to me. He says, 'Shall be away from home, on business, for a few days. Let all go on as usual.' That's better, miss! But," continued Grayson, glancing at Purdie, "it's still odd--for do you see, sir, where that wire has been sent from? Spring Street--close by!" CHAPTER FIFTEEN CONFERENCE