"That depends on what you call wicked," said Durham, dryly, and preparing to take his leave. "However, we can leave this clue, if clue it is, alone at present. What I have to do is to question Mrs. Gilroy about her son. Also I may see Miss Randolph and Jerry Moon. But of one thing I am certain, Bernard: your grandfather had several visitors during that evening. Your half-brother Michael came, also your uncle. One of the two----" "No! I would rather believe Mrs. Gilroy strangled the old man herself." "She is quite capable of doing so," said Durham, coolly, "but I do not think she did. His death was unfortunate for her schemes; he was of more value to her alive than dead. But it might be that Michael killed Sir Simon, and that Mrs. Gilroy is using you as a scapegoat. However, I learn the truth from her to-day." "If that theory is correct, Tolomeo----" "Is innocent, quite so. We'll give him the benefit of the doubt. But I want to know what he was doing with Sir Simon on that evening. He may be able to tell us something if he is innocent himself." Gore shuddered. "It is a most involved case," he said hopelessly. "I quite agree with you. We have a long dark road to travel before we come to the light. However"--Durham clapped Bernard on the back--"keep up your spirits. If time, and money, and friendship can put you right, Conniston and I will see the thing through. Meantime, as Miss Malleson is coming here this day, make yourself happy and don't worry." "You might as well put the kettle on the fire and say don't boil." Durham shrugged his shoulders and said no more. What with his isolation and anxiety, Bernard was growing morbid, and his only cure lay in the truth being discovered. Therefore Durham set out to discover it from Mrs. Gilroy, and left the young man to his by no means pleasant meditations. The day was fine and cold, with much sunshine and no mist. Bernard went out for a walk on the small spot of dry ground on which the castle is built. Victoria privately complained to him that she had all the work to do. Since Mrs. Moon had learned "Kings" she would do nothing but play the game. Bernard laughed, and saw the housekeeper, telling her again of the expected arrival of the two ladies. "You had better get a good luncheon ready," he said. "I'll try," sighed the giantess; "but that game lies heavy on my conscience. I'm bound to do it at least once, Mr. Grant." She gave Gore his false name in all innocence. "I do wish, sir, you hadn't taught me the game." "Never mind, you'll do it some day," said Bernard, kindly.