“Flora,” I said gravely, “be guided by me. I advise you not to drag this

detective into the case.”

 

Flora sprang to her feet. The color rushed into her cheeks.

 

“I know why you say that,” she cried. “But it’s exactly for that reason I’m so

anxious to go. You’re afraid! But I’m not. I know Ralph better than you do.”

 

“Ralph,” said Caroline. “What has Ralph got to do with it?”

 

Neither of us heeded her.

 

“Ralph may be weak,” continued Flora. “He may have done foolish things in the

past—wicked things even—but he wouldn’t murder any one.”

 

“No, no,” I exclaimed. “I never thought it of him.”

 

“Then why did you go to the Three Boars last night?” demanded Flora, “on your

way home—after uncle’s body was found?”

 

I was momentarily silenced. I had hoped that that visit of mine would remain

unnoticed.

 

“How did you know about that?” I countered.