"Collingwood!" he said. "There's some dreadful business afloat in all
this! And it's all the worse because of the fashion in which Pratt
talked to that girl. She's evidently a very good memory--she narrated
that conversation clearly and fully. Pratt must be very sure of his hand
if he showed her his cards in that way--his very confidence in himself
shows what a subtle network he's either made or is making. I question if
he'd very much care if he knew that we know. But he mustn't know
that--yet. We must reply to his mine with a counter-mine!"
"What do you think of Pratt's charge against Mrs. Mallathorpe?" asked
Collingwood.
Eldrick made a wry face.
"Looks bad!--very, very bad, Collingwood!" he answered. "Art and scheme
of a desperate woman, of course. But--we mustn't let her daughter think
we believe it. Let her stick to the suggestion I made--which, as you
remarked, would certainly make a very good line of defence, supposing
Pratt even did accuse her. But now--what on earth is this document
that's been mentioned--this paper of which Pratt has possession? Has
Mrs. Mallathorpe at some time committed forgery--or bigamy--or--what is
it? One thing's sure, however--we've got to work quietly. We mustn't let
Pratt know that we're working. I hope he doesn't know that Miss
Mallathorpe came here. Will you come back about four and hear what
message she sends me? After that, we could consult.
Pages:
157
158
159
160
161
162
163
164
165
166
167
168
169
170
171
172
173
174
175
176
177
178
179
180
181