United States or Eswatini ? Vote for the TOP Country of the Week !
The butler escorted him to the library, and entered after him. Musard was in the room alone, standing by the fireplace, smoking a cigar. He looked up as Caldew entered. "I have just learnt something which I think you ought to know," he said. "The information comes from Tufnell.
"We artists are all alike. Show us a picture and our manners go by the board. With you, Musard, need I say more?" "You have said a lot," grumbled the ancient of days. "Coming in roaring like a bull! What picture has upset you?" "A picture you have not seen," said Rufin, "or you would be grasping my hand and weeping for joy you who know pictures better than us all!"
"I stayed there hidden for some time, too frightened to move, and expecting every moment to be discovered. I could hear them moving about searching, and I thought that somebody would draw aside the curtains and see me hiding underneath. But nobody came near me. I heard them go into Mrs. Heredith's room, and Mr. Musard started talking.
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?"
"You can rely upon me to do so, ma'am," said Tufnell earnestly. "Very well. We will now go upstairs." She left the drawing-room and proceeded towards the broad oak staircase, with Musard close behind her. Detective Caldew followed more slowly, noting his surroundings.
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.
There was the sound of an opening door and footsteps outside, and a voice called: "Phil! Vincent! Where are you?" "They have returned!" Musard excitedly exclaimed. "What are they to be told?" "I cannot say," replied Colwyn, casting a sombre glance at Phil's drooping and motionless figure. There was something new in his posture a stark stillness which arrested his eye.
Colwyn nodded his comprehension, and Tufnell left the room with a relieved countenance. A few moments later there was another knock at the door. In response to Colwyn's invitation the door opened, and Musard appeared. "Tufnell said you wished to see me," he said, with an inquiring glance from beneath his dark brows. "Yes. I should be glad if you would give me a description of the missing necklace.
Musard resumed his place at the bedside, silently watching the figure on the bed. There was blood on his hands and clothes. "Is there no hope? Can nothing be done to save her?" whispered Miss Heredith. "Nothing. The lung is penetrated. She is bleeding to death." His quick eye noticed a change in the figure on the bed. The face quivered ever so slightly, and the blue eyes half opened.
It seems as clear and colourless as glass, but it emits a faint greenish lustre, and there are black flecks in it." "It is nephrite, or Maori greenstone," replied Musard. "London jewellers term it New Zealand jade." "Surely this stone is not jade?" said Caldew, in some surprise.
Word Of The Day