When can you accompany me to Stowmarket?"
The question disconcerted his eager auditor. The young man's countenance
clouded.
"Is it necessary that I should go there?" he asked.
"Certainly. You must throw aside all delicacy of feeling, sacrifice even
your own sentiments. That is the one locality where you don't wish to be
seen, of course?"
"It is indeed."
"I cannot help that. I must have the assistance of your local and family
knowledge to decide the knotty points sure to arise when I begin the
inquiry. Can you start this afternoon?"
"Yes."
"Very well. Come and lunch with me at my club. Then we will separate, to
meet again at Liverpool Street. Smith! Pack my traps for a week."
Brett was in the hall now, but he suddenly stopped his companion.
"By the way, Hume, you may like to wire to Miss Layton. My man will send
the telegram for you."
David Hume's barrier of proud reserve vanished from that instant. The
kindly familiarity of the barrister's words to one who, during many weary
days, suspected all men of loathing him as a murderer at large, was
directed by infinite tact.
Hume held out his hand, "You _are_ a good chap," he said.
CHAPTER IV
THROUGH THE LIBRARY WINDOW
Hume did not send a telegram to the Sleagill Rectory. He explained that,
owing to the attitude adopted by the Rev.
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