"Why did you not come forward then?" "Why? No man could have better reasons. First, it seemed to me that Davie had killed him. Then, when the second trial ended, I came to the conclusion--Lord help my wits--that there was some underhanded work about the succession to the property, and my doubts appeared to receive confirmation by the news of Margaret's marriage. In any case, if I turned up to give evidence, I could only have helped to hang one of my own relatives." "It never occurred to you that you might be suspected?" "Never, on my honour! The suggestion is preposterous. You seem to know everything. Tell Margaret that I did leave Stowmarket by the train I named, that I stayed in the Hotel Victoria the same night, and left for the Riviera at 11 a.m. next day. Margaret, don't you believe me? You and I were sweethearts as children. Can you think I murdered your brother? Why, dear girl, I refrained from seeing your husband lest I should wound you by revealing my thoughts." He placed his hands on her shoulders, and looked at her with such genuine emotion that she lifted her swimming eyes to his, and faltered: "Forgive me, Robert, though I can never forgive myself. Your words shocked me. I am sorry. I am not mistaken now. You are innocent as I am." "You have also convinced me, Mr. Frazer," said Brett quietly. Robert gazed quickly from one to the other. Then he laughed constrainedly. "I have been accused of several offences in my time," he said, "but this notion that got into your heads licks creation." "What is the matter now?" said David Hume, entering through the window. CHAPTER XVII "CHERCHEZ LA FEMME" The three men drove to Stowmarket in the same vehicle, the grooms returning in the second dog-cart. On the way Robert Frazer--who may be designated by his second surname to distinguish him from his cousin--was anxious to learn what had caused the present recrudescence of inquiry into Alan's death. This was easily explained by David, and Brett took care to confine the conversation to general details. Frazer was naturally keen to discover how the barrister came to be so well posted in his movements, and David listened eagerly whilst Brett related enough of the stationmaster's story to clear up that point. Hume broke in with a laugh: "That shows why he was so unusually attentive when I arrived this evening. He spotted me getting out of the train, and would not leave me until I was clear of the station. He was evidently determined to ascertain my exact identity without any mistake, for he began by asking if I were not Mr. David Hume-Frazer, laying stress on my Christian name. It surprised me a little, because I thought the old chap knew me well." "Are you both absolutely certain that there are no other members of your family in existence?" asked Brett. "It depends on how many of our precious collection you are acquainted with," said Robert.