“That the letter was mere bluff and that she really knows nothing about the crime. By the way, did Braddock learn anything?”
“Not a thing. He merely said that the two of them fought. I expect Braddock stormed and Mrs. Jasher retorted. Both of them have too much tongue-music to come to any understanding. By the way—to echo, your own phrase—you had better put away this gem or I shall be strangling you myself in order to gain possession of it. The mere sight of that gorgeous color tempts me beyond my strength.”
Random laughed and locked the jewel in his drawer. Hope suggested that with such a flimsy lock it was unsafe, but the baronet shook his head.
“It is safer here than in a woman's jewel case,” he asserted. “No one looks to my drawer, and certainly no one would expect to find a crown jewel of this description in my quarters. Well,” he came back to his seat, slipping his keys into his trouser pocket, “the whole thing puzzles me.”
“Why not do as I suggest and go to Mrs. Jasher? In any case you are going there to-night, are you not?”
“Yes. I want to decide what to do about the woman. I had intended to go alone, but as you are here you may as well come also.”
“I shall be delighted. What do you intend to do?”
“Help her,” said Random briefly.
“She doesn't deserve it,” replied Hope, lighting a fresh cigarette.
“Does anyone ever deserve anything?” asked Sir Frank cynically. “What does Miss Kendal think of the business? I suppose Braddock told her. He has too long a tongue to keep anything to himself.”