"You believe that he may be able to prove your innocence?" "Yes, I think so. He was in the drawing-room sure enough; but I can't believe that a man of your father's restless disposition would stay quietly there. I believe that he came down the stairs and saw--saw----" Edwin hesitated. "Saw what?" asked Claudia, faintly. "Saw who murdered Wyke." "But who could have done so. Surely you don't believe that dad is guilty?" "No. Certainly I don't." "And you are innocent also?" "Absolutely." "Then there was only Mrs. Vence in the house. Do you think that she----" "No," said Craver, decisively. "She had every reason to keep him alive, and no reason at all to wish him dead. She didn't strike the blow. Who did I can't say. I'm going to find out. Now you see, Claudia, why I told my father and mother that I wished to assist Lady Wyke. I must assist her, as otherwise I shall be put in gaol on a charge of murder." "She would never do that," exclaimed Claudia, flushing angrily. "Oh, indeed she would. The woman is a perfect nuisance, and, although I was as rude as possible to her, she would not sheer off." "If I gave you up would she let you have that letter and hold her tongue?" "She says she would," was Edwin's cautions reply, as he rose and glanced at his watch. "Anyhow, I have a fortnight to think over things. In order to got the better of Lady Wyke and clear my character I'm off to-night to begin my search for the true assassin. Come to the gate and see me off, Claudia." Neither the Rector nor his wife really learnt why Edwin took so abrupt a departure. He made his apologies anew, shook hands with his father and kissed his mother. Mrs. Craver accorded him a rather chilly forgiveness, and remarked that he could not be so very fond of Claudia, seeing that he preferred to leave her and go about Laura Bright's business. However, Edwin laughed her into a better humour, and then went off to Redleigh, on his motorcycle, to catch the nine o'clock train to town.