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Updated: September 13, 2025
"This is Sir Bristowe Marr, the First Sea Lord," said the Chief, bringing up a chair for Barbara, "Miss Mackwayte, my secretary, Admiral!" Then in a low impassioned voice Barbara told her tale of the package entrusted to her by Nur-el-Din and its disappearance from her bedroom on the night of the murder.
It's Marie... she's been stabbed in the back!" Desmond suddenly felt rather sick. This progress from one deed of violence to another revolted him. The others crowded into the cellar; but he did not follow them. He remained at the top of the trap, leaning against the wall, trying to collect his thoughts. Barbara Mackwayte was now his sole preoccupation.
"And, sir," Matthews added, "Scotland Yard telephoned to say that the doctor is with Miss Mackwayte now." Desmond started up. "Is Miss Mackwayte ill?" he exclaimed. The Chief answered slowly, as Matthews withdrew: "Mr. Mackwayte was found murdered at his house early this morning!" There is a sinister ring about the word "murder," which reacts upon even the most hardened sensibility.
He was rather a slow mover, and there were a lot of things he wanted to discuss with the Chief. "I was very sorry to see poor Major Okewood in the casualty list this morning, sir," he said. "I was going to ask you..." "Ah, terrible, terrible!" said the Chief. Then he added: "Just tell Miss Mackwayte I want her as you go out, will you?"
He was trying to piece things together as best as his aching head would allow. Both Nur-el-Din and Strangwise were after the jewel. Nur-el-Din believed that afternoon that Strangwise had it, while Strangwise, on discovering his loss, had seemed to suggest that Barbara Mackwayte had recovered it.
"I can guess what brings you here, Miss Mackwayte," he said gently. "I hope you will allow me to express my condolences...?" The girl shrank back, almost imperceptibly, yet Strangwise, whose eyes were fixed on her pale face, noticed the spontaneous recoil.
"Des," said his brother, "I don't know and I don't want to cross-examine Nur-el-Din in there until I have reasoned out some theory which will fit Miss Mackwayte in her place in this horrible affair. The men have gone to search the outhouses and precincts of the inn to see if they can find any traces of her body, but I don't think they will find anything. I believe that Miss Mackwayte is alive."
Chugg arrived in the morning... as much as three hours, she thinks!" "And what time did Mrs. Chugg arrive!" "At half-past six!" "About Mackwayte... how long was he dead when they found him? What does the doctor say?" "About three hours approximately, but you know, they can't always tell to an hour or so!"
"Run her upstairs," he said quickly to Bellward who had followed behind him, "and lock her in her room. I've seen to the rest. You, Miss Mackwayte," he added to Barbara, "you will come with us!" Barbara was staring in fascination at Bellward. She had never believed that any disguise could be so baffling, so complete; Major Okewood, she thought, looked like a different man.
The rain had ceased and the sun was making a brave attempt to shine through the clouds. The cold air did Desmond good and after a turn or two in the yard, arm in arm with Francis, he felt considerably better. "Where is Miss Mackwayte?" he asked.
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