After the proceedings were over, Colonel Melrose volunteered to drive Bundle back to Chimneys, and Jimmy Thesiger returned to London.
For all his lighthearted manner, Bundle’s story had impressed him profoundly. He set his lips closely together.
“Ronny, old boy,” he murmured, “I’m going to be up against it. And you’re not here to join in the game.”
Another thought flashed into his mind. Loraine! Was she in danger?
After a minute or two’s hesitation, he went over to the telephone and rang her up.
“It’s me—Jimmy. I thought you’d like to know the result of the inquest. Death by misadventure.”
“Oh, but—”
“Yes, but I think there’s something behind that. The coroner had had a hint. Someone’s at work to hush it up. I say, Loraine—”
“Yes?”
“Look here. There’s—there’s some funny business going about. You’ll be very careful, won’t you? For my sake.”
He heard the quick note of alarm that sprang into her voice.
“Jimmy—but then it’s dangerous—for you .”
He laughed.
“Oh, that’s all right. I’m the cat that had nine lives. Bye-bye, old thing.”
He rang off and remained a minute or two lost in thought. Then he summoned Stevens.