"No!" shouted Claude savagely; "it is all-sufficient for me to go on. You think that I may discover that Hilliston is the criminal, or learn that my mother is accountable for the crime. I tell you no such thing will happen. Hilliston was not near The Laurels on the fatal morning. My mother--I have told you how she exonerated herself, and the exoneration was substantiated by Denis Bantry. Both are innocent." "It may be so. But who is guilty?" "Jeringham. I believe that he discovered that my father had returned, and perhaps knowing of this intrigue between him and Mona Bantry, remained at The Laurels, unknown to my mother, in order to assist her as a friend." "How did Jeringham obtain possession of the dagger?" "I cannot say. We must find out. But he did obtain possession of the dagger, and during a quarrel with my father killed him with it. He fled to avoid the consequences. Oh, yes! I swear that Jeringham is guilty. But I will hunt him down, if I have to do it alone." "You will not do it alone," said Tait quietly. "I am with you still." "But you said----" "I know what I said! I think it is best to leave well alone. But since you are set on learning the truth, I will help you to the best of my ability. Only," added Tait explicitly, "should you discover the truth to be unpalatable, do not blame me." "I won't blame you. I am certain that you will find that I am right, and that Hilliston and my mother had nothing to do with the affair. Help me, that is all I ask. I will bear the consequences." "Very good! Then we had better get to work," said Tait dryly. "Just go and dress, my dear fellow, or you'll keep dinner waiting." "Why should I dress? I am not going out to-night." "Indeed you are! We are due at Mrs. Durham's 'At Home' at ten o'clock." "I shan't go. I am in no mood for frivolity. I would rather stay at home and think over the case. It is only by hard work that we can hope to learn the truth." "Very true. At the same time it is necessary for you to go out to-night, if only to meet with John Parver." "The author of 'A Whim of Fate,'" asked Claude eagerly, "is he in town?" "Yes. And he will be at Mrs. Durham's to-night. We must see him, and find out where he obtained the materials for his novel." "Do you think such information will lead to any result?" asked Claude dubiously. "I don't think. I am sure of it," retorted Tait impatiently. "Now go and dress." Larcher departed without a word. CHAPTER XIV. THE UPPER BOHEMIA.