"Yes I do. Juliet, what is all this mystery about? I could
not understand the meaning of your letter."

"Did you do what I asked?" she panted.

"It was too late. I had told Jennings the detective all I
knew."

"You were not afraid?"

"Afraid!" echoed Cuthbert, opening his eyes. "What do you
mean?"

She looked into his eyes. "No," she said to herself, "he is
not afraid."

Cuthbert lost his temper. "I don't understand all this," he
declared, "if you would only speak out. But I can guess why
you wish me to stop the proceedings--you fear for Basil!"

She stepped back a pace. "For Basil?"

"Yes. From what he hinted the other day I believe he was
about this place on the night of the--"

"Where are your proofs?" she gasped, recoiling.

"I have none. I am only speaking on chance. But Basil is in
monetary difficulties--he is in debt to Hale--he counted
on you inheriting the money of Miss Loach to pay his debts.