Basil probably
would agree with his mother, whose lead he slavishly followed.
But Mallow had rather a contempt for Basil, and did not count
his opposition as dangerous.
On leaving the "Shrine of the Muses," the young man's first
intention was to seek out Jennings and see what progress he
was making in the matter. But on reflection he thought he
would call again on his uncle and question him regarding his
knowledge of Mrs. Octagon. It seemed to Cuthbert that, from
the woman's question as to whether Lord Caranby had returned
from abroad, and her remark on hearing that he had, some
suspicion was in her mind as to his being concerned in the
crime. Yet, beyond the fact that the unfinished house stood
behind the cottage where the crime had been committed and
belonged to Lord Caranby who had known the dead woman in the
past, Cuthbert could not see how Mrs. Octagon could constitute
a latter-day connection between her dead sister and her old
friend. But Lord Caranby might be induced to talk--no easy
matter--and from what he said, the mystery of Mr. Octagon's
attitude might be elucidated. Only in the past--so far as the
perplexed young man could conjecture--could be found the
reason for her sudden change of front.
Cuthbert therefore sent a wire to his uncle, stating that he
wished to see him after eight o'clock on special business, and
then went home to dress.
While thus employed, he thought over means and ways to make
Caranby open his mouth.
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