Page:The Millbank Case - 1905 - Eldridge.djvu/219

 Trafford said, "who came with Victor Vignon from Beauce. Victor, who was his cousin, was to take him back before the Feast of St. John. He relies absolutely on this, and would not believe Victor dead. His name is Étienne Vignon and he needs comfort and help."

"I will go to him," said the priest. "The thought is a kind one."

If the priest dreamed that he was thus finished with the detective, it was because he did not know the nature of the creature.

"From Beauce I think you said the wounded man came," said Trafford carelessly.

If Trafford thought to surprise the priest, it was proof that he too was ignorant.

"I do not recall having said so," the priest answered.

"But he was, wasn't he?" demanded Trafford.

"I did not ask him."

On the matter of the wound the priest talked freely. It was painful, but not serious. The small bone of the lower right arm was broken, but he had set it and was confident it would improve.