“You have discussed the place with him⁠—talked over your husband’s collection?”

“At times. They have been quite casual conversations.”

Labar racked his brain. This seemed to be leading nowhere. Yet if Larry Hughes was at the bottom of the burglary it was inconceivable that he should not have used his acquaintance with Mrs. Gertstein to further his projects. No doubt those “casual conversations” had told him more than the woman dreamt. A point flashed to his mind.

“Have you found positions at Streetly House for any persons in whom Hughes was interested?”

She reflected. “I can’t quite remember. I believe there was someone⁠—ah! yes⁠—an odd-job man. I can’t remember his name, but it was someone with an excellent record whom Mr. Hughes was trying to help. He asked me to speak to the butler about him, and I think he was engaged.”