we're on our way to that Palkeney Manor of which Murthwaite told us," said I. "I think we've been on our way to it ever since we left Newcastle yesterday morning. That's probably the house that's as old as they make 'em. You'd better be prepared—for anything. I am!"
"What do you mean?" she demanded. "You're getting cryptic too!"
"I think my brains are addled!" I answered. "Never mind! I know something!"
"What?" she asked.
I bent forward to her, endeavouring to look as mysterious as I possibly could, and spoke in a hushed voice.
"This!" I said, thrillingly. "Parslewe has the copper box in his pocket!"
She drew back, staring at me as if she wondered whether my mind had given way. I nodded solemnly.
"Fact!" said I. "I saw him put it there! It's in the right-hand outer pocket of his coat. And in the copper box lies the explanation of—everything! Hush!—not a word! He's coming back."