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146 "Cheer up," I said. "You're going all right. I don't see how you could back out at the last moment without its appearing frightfully suspicious. And, besides, Pagett might suddenly be summoned by Sir Eustace, and it would be far harder for you to attach yourself to him for the journey up."

"It would hardly be respectable," said Suzanne, dimpling. "I should have to pretend a fatal passion for him as an excuse."

"On the other hand, if you were there when he arrived, it would all be perfectly simple and natural. Besides, I don't think we ought to lose sight of the other two entirely."

"Oh, Anne, you surely can't suspect Colonel Race or Sir Eustace?"

"I suspect everybody," I said darkly, "and if you've read any detective stories, Suzanne, you must know that it's always the most unlikely person who's the villain. Lots of criminals have been cheerful fat men like Sir Eustace."

"Colonel Race isn't particularly fat—or particularly cheerful either."

"Sometimes they're lean and saturnine," I retorted. "I don't say I seriously suspect either of them, but, after all, the woman was murdered in Sir Eustace's house"

"Yes, yes, we needn't go overall that again. I'll watch him for you, Anne, and if he gets any fatter and any more cheerful, I'll send you a telegram at once. 'Sir E. swelling. Highly suspicious. Come at once.

"Really, Suzanne," I cried, "you seem to think all this is a game!"

"I know I do," said Suzanne, unabashed. "It seems like that. It's your fault, Anne. I've got imbued with your 'Let's have an adventure' spirit. It doesn't seem a bit real. Dear me, if Clarence knew that I was running