"Of course he didn't," said Edwin, cheerfully, although he was more startled by the news than Claudia guessed. "We shall ask for an explanation. I am sure he will give one." "You don't think he is guilty, Edwin?" "No, I don't, dear. Appearances are rather against him, as they are against me. But I am innocent, and so is your father." "Did you see him in London? You went up to see him, remember." "No, I did not. He was absent when I called at Tenby Mansions." "Oh we must see him! We must see him!" cried Claudia, wringing her hands. "We shall see him together," said Craver, soothing her gently. Don't worry, my darling. I feel sure that everything will come out right. "But Lady Wyke?" "She won't do anything. She is not sure of her ground. All the same, Claudia, it was a risk going." "Yes, I know. But I wanted to hear what she knew." "There is another person who knows more. We must see her, Claudia. If anyone knows the truth of this crime, it is Mrs. Vence." CHAPTER XX. The company of Edwin was very welcome to Claudia, as she now had an outlet for her grief. She could talk freely to him and receive the comfort which she very greatly needed, although even his consoling words did not entirely quieten her. Like the girl, Craver could not bring himself to believe that the buccaneer was guilty. There seemed nothing for it but to see the man and question him closely. Claudia therefore determined to journey to London, not only to interview her father, but also to see Mrs. Vence. Edwin's suggestion that the old housekeeper should be questioned struck the girl as remarkably sensible. Mrs. Vence had been in the house when the crime took place, and although she had given evidence with apparent frankness at the inquest, it was just possible that she might have withheld certain facts. If forced to speak she might say something or suggest something likely to throw more light on the darkness which environed the tragedy. She resolved to see the housekeeper first and her father afterwards. What with Mrs. Vence's story and the pirate's explanation the truth might come to light. The difficulty was to find Mis. Vence, who had disappeared into the unknown immediately after the inquest. Since leaving Hedgerton, so far as was known, she had given no sign of her existence, and Claudia wondered how the address of the old creature could be found. Finally, she resolved to ask Mrs. Mellin when that good lady came with the washing to the Rectory.