CHAPTER III


Sir Andrew rose with disapproval written in every lineament.

"I thought your story would bear upon the murder," he said. "Had I
imagined it would have nothing whatsoever to do with it I would not
have remained." He pushed back his chair and bowed stiffly. "I wish
you good night," he said.

There was a chorus of remonstrance, and under cover of this and the
Baronet's answering protests a servant for the second time slipped a
piece of paper into the hand of the gentleman with the pearl stud. He
read the lines written upon it and tore it into tiny fragments.

The youngest member, who had remained an interested but silent
listener to the tale of the Queen's Messenger, raised his hand
commandingly.

"Sir Andrew," he cried, "in justice to Lord Arthur Chetney I must ask
you to be seated. He has been accused in our hearing of a most serious
crime, and I insist that you remain until you have heard me clear his
character."

"You!" cried the Baronet.

"Yes," answered the young man briskly. "I would have spoken sooner,"