ot excite yourself."

But the young man took no notice of his aunt's gentle remonstrance. His
eyes were fixed on the detective.

"I have not the least doubt of it," was the detective's cold response.

"I must say I think you have made a terrible mistake," Phil said,
striding about the room in a state of great agitation. "Hazel would
not--she could not--have done this thing." He wheeled sharply around, as
though struck by a sudden thought. "Are the jewels safe?" he added.

"Yes," said Miss Heredith. "We found Violet's jewel-case locked, so I
put it away in the library safe."

"The question of robbery does not enter into the crime," remarked
Caldew. "The motive, as we have established it, is quite different."

"I have been told of the motive you allege against this unhappy girl,"
said Phil indignantly. "That idea is utterly preposterous. Again, I say,
I believe that you have made a blunder. I do not think Hazel would
handle a revolver. She was always very nervous of fire-arms."

"That is quite true," murmured Miss Heredith.

"A jealous woman forgets her fears," said the detective rather
maliciously. "She didn't stop to think of that when she wanted to use
the revolver."

"And where did she get it from?" asked Phil quickly.

Caldew shrugged his shoulders, but remained silent.

"You still persist in thinking that she obtained the revolver from the
gun-room?" Phil continued.

"Yes, I do."

"Do you not intend to make any further inquiries? You had better see
Nepcote about the revolver. I will give you his address."

"Captain Nepcote left here to go to the front, and we have not heard
from him since," Miss Heredith explained to the detective.

In a calmer moment Caldew might have realized the expediency of Phil's
suggestion, but his professional dignity was affronted at what he
considered the young man's attempt to interfere in the case and direct
the course of the police investigations. It was the desire to snub what
he regarded as a meddlesome interposition in his own business which
prompted him to reply:

"It is a matter of small importance, one way or the other. It is
sufficient for the Crown case to know the owner of the revolver. The
point is that the murder was committed with it, and it was subsequently
found in the girl's possession."

"I have nothing more to say to you," said Phil.

"Are you convinced now, Phil?" asked Miss Heredith sadly, when Caldew
had taken his departure. "It was hard for me