"
"And you did all that without a single question?"
"I did. It was only a little consideration for an old confederate."
"And suppose that confederate had played you false?"
Two tiny points of flame danced in Rawlins's eyes.
"Henson would never have dared," he said. "My mind was quite easy on
that score."
"I understand," Chris murmured. "And you kept the cigar-case?"
"Yes, I rather liked it. And I could afford a luxury of that kind
just then."
"Then why did you dispose of it to Rutter's in Moreton Wells? And why
Moreton Wells?"
Rawlins laughed as he lighted a fresh cigarette.
"I came to Moreton Wells knowing that Henson was at Littimer Castle," he
explained. "I went there to borrow L200 from Henson. Unfortunately I
found him in great need of money. Somebody who had promised him a large
sum of money had disappointed him."
Chris smiled. She had heard all about Lady Littimer's adventure with the
ring, and her stubborn refusal to give Henson any further supplies.
"Presently I can tell you who disappointed Henson," she said. "But fancy
you being short of--"
"Of ready money; I frequently am.
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