Page:Dale - A Marriage Below Zero.djvu/201

Rh a right to feel rather surprised when I questioned him on the subject now.

"Nothing," I answered vaguely.

"Can I do anything for you?"

"Oh, no, thank you." I was so amiable that he was more taken aback. "I must be careful," I said to myself.

As I vouchsafed no further remark, he left me, and half an hour afterwards I heard the front door close behind him.

Now, then, if I could only aid Detective Rickaby in any way. I had several long hours before me, with nothing more inviting than a novel which had been recommended to me by dear Miss Euphemia Dasy, and which I knew I should hate, with which to distract myself.

I went at once to Arthur's study, at least as far as the door, which I found locked. I shook it rather severely, in the silly hope that it would yield to such inducements. The chivalrous and interesting James happened to pass me at the time. He cast a look of intense surprise in my direction.

"You can't get in," he said with a grin.