nnocent," was all that she could say, but
said it with the air of one who settles a difficult matter once and for
all.

"On what grounds, ma'am?"

"On no grounds, save those of my own common sense."

"You have no evidence to----?"

"I have the evidence of my own eyes. You haven't seen the woman. I have.
She is not the kind of person who would act so."

"The jury take a different view," said Steel dryly. "They have brought
in a verdict of wilful murder against her."

"Fools! But what can you expect from a parcel of tradesmen? I wish to
hear on what grounds they made such idiots of themselves."

Steel was somewhat taken aback by this coolness. "You must really excuse
me," said he, rising, "but I have to see Mr. Ware."

"All in good time, Steel," said the old lady coolly. "You might do worse
than spend an hour with me. There is precious little going on in this
parish I don't know of. I might be able to help you in your search."

"After this woman?" Steel shook his head. "I don't think so. I expect
she has escaped to foreign parts."

"Oh, I know all about that. I made Trim tell me. You know Trim, of
course. He was a groom once."

"Isn't he a groom now?"

"Well"--Mrs. Parry rubbed her nose--"you might call him an engineer.
When Ware started a motor-car Trim refused to let anyone else attend to
his young master but himself. He was the servant of old Ware, and thinks
it is his duty to look after the son--not but what it's needed," added
Mrs. Parry spitefully; "but Trim learned how to work the car, and so he
is what you might call an engineer."

"All very interesting ma'am, but I have an appointment."

"It will keep," replied Mrs. Parry suavely. "You had better wait, Steel.
I have something to show you."

"In connection with the case?"

"In connection with Miss Denham."

"What is it? Show it to me."

"All in good time, Steel. I must first know what you think of the
matter."

"I think that this woman is guilty."

"Oh, you do, do you. Humph! And I thought you clever. How easily one can
be deceived! However, you can sit down and tell me your grounds for this
preposterous belief."

Steel hesitated. In all his career--and it had been a varied one--he had
never met before with anyone like this determined old dame. She took
possession of him in the calmest way, and was evidently bent upon
pumping him dry before he left the house. As a rule Steel was not a man
to be pumped, but after some reflection he concl