"Very well," he continued. "Then I want you to do three things. First, tell Parslewe all that I have told you as regards the Palkeney affair. Second, tell him that on my own responsibility, and as his friend and solicitor, I have given Sir Charles Sperrigoe an assurance—a pledge, in fact—that he will, as quickly as possible, give Sir Charles a full account of how box and books came into his possession, so that their progress from Palkeney Manor to Kelpieshaw may be traced—it's inconceivable, of course, that Mr. Parslewe came by them in any other than an honest way. Third, I have persuaded Sir Charles to go home—where he awaits Mr. Parslewe's communication."
"Oh!" said Madrasia. "But has he gone?"
"He went south after seeing me—by the next train," replied Murthwaite.
"Leaving the police inspector at Wooler under the impression that my guardian is a possible thief, eh?" suggested Madrasia.
"Nothing of the sort!" retorted Murthwaite. "Come, come, my dear young lady!—things aren't done in that way. All that Sperrigoe did in that quarter was to make
