English morning
meal. The tragedy which had darkened the peaceful life of the household
nearly a fortnight before was not mentioned. Colwyn appreciated the tact
of his hostess in keeping the conversation to conventional channels,
leaving it for him to introduce the object of his visit in his own time.
Only at the conclusion of the meal, as Miss Heredith was leaving the
apartment, did she tell him that she hoped he would let her know if
there was anything he required or wished her to do. He thanked her, and
said there was nothing just then. Later, it would be necessary for him
to go over the house, under her guidance, if she could spare the time.
She replied that she could do so after lunch if that would be suitable,
and went away. Sir Philip followed her, and Colwyn and Musard were left
alone.

"Shall we have a cigar in the garden?" said Musard. He wished to know
more of the man of whom he had heard so much by repute, and he believed
that tobacco promoted sociability. He also desired to find out whether
Colwyn's presence at the moat-house meant that Phil had succeeded in
impressing him with his own belief in the innocence of Hazel Rath.

Colwyn willingly agreed. He realized the difficulties of the task ahead
of him, and he welcomed the opportunity of hearing all he could about
the murder from somebody who knew all the circumstances. Phil's personal
knowledge of the facts did not extend beyond the point where he had
fallen unconscious in the bedroom, and a talk with Musard offered the
best available substitute for his own lack of first-hand impressions.

The garden basked in the warmth of a mellow autumn sunshine which had
dispersed the morning mist. In the air was the scent of late flowers and
the murmurs of bees; the bright eyes of blackbirds and robins peeped out
from the ornamental yews, and the peacocks trailed their plumes over the
sparkling emerald lawns. But Colwyn and Musard had no thought of the
beauty of the morning or the charm of the old-world garden as they paced
across the lawn. It was Musard who broached the subject which was
engrossing their minds.

"It was very good of you to come down here, Mr. Colwyn. Your visit is a
great relief to Miss Heredith."

"Does Miss Heredith share her nephew's belief in Miss Rath's innocence?"

"I would not go so far as to say that, though I think his own
earnestness has impressed her with the hope that some mistake has been
made. But her chief concern is her nephew'