Page:Chipperfield--Unseen Hands.djvu/280

268 The affair must be getting on his nerves as well as those of the family!

"We owe you a debt of gratitude aside from the case." The attorney smiled. "Gene came down to me yesterday and made a clean breast of his association with Farley Drew and what it led him into; and he said you sent him. He is going to make full reparation from his estate; and his stepfather and I have consented to keep the whole matter a secret. They cannot either of them be thankful enough to you."

"At least they may be sure of one thing: Farley Drew will never trouble anyone in this household again; and Miss Cissie has had a very lucky escape, as she will learn shortly." Odell hesitated and then added deliberately: "Mr. Titheredge, may I have a word with you in the strictest professional confidence?"

The attorney darted a keen glance at him.

"Certainly, Sergeant. Come right into the drawing-room. Nan and Gene are with Mr. Lorne, and Miss Meade with Cissie. I suppose you know that there has been another disappearance among the servants? Gerda is gone."

"I know." Odell nodded. "Mr. Titheredge, I am going to ask you this under the seal of professional secrecy; and I must request that you tell me the absolute truth, for much may depend on it. Have you ever heard a suggestion of insanity connected in any way with the family?"

"Good heavens!" The attorney started back and sank into a chair. "This is preposterous, Sergeant; absurd! You surely cannot have conceived the idea—"

"You have not answered my question, Mr. Titheredge." Odell smiled. "Of course, if you prefer not to do so I can