"Nothing good. He's an hysterical idiot. Gambles a lot and
falls into rages when he loses. At times I don't think he's
responsible for his actions."
Mallow threw himself back in his chair biting his moustache.
Every word Jennings spoke made him more confident that Basil
had something to do with the crime. But why Juliet should
hint at his own guilt Cuthbert could not imagine. Had he been
calmer he might have hesitated to tell Jennings about Basil.
But, exasperated by Juliet's half confidence, and anxious to
learn the truth, he gave the detective a full account of his
meeting with the young man. "What do you make of that?" he
asked.
"Well," said Jennings doubtfully, "there's nothing much to go
upon in what he said. He's in difficulties with Hale
certainly--"
"And he seemed anxious about my having been in Caranby's
grounds at night."
"Were you there?"
"Yes. I did not intend to say anything about it, but I must
tell you everything so that you can put things straight
between me and Juliet. I can't understand her. But I am sure
her mother and Basil are trying to influence her against me.
I should not be surprised to learn that they accused me of
this murder."
"But on what grounds?" asked Jennings quickly.
"We'll come to that presently. But I now see why neither
Basil nor his mother want the marriage to take place. By the
will of Miss Loach Juliet comes in for six thousand a year,
which is completely at her own disposal.
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