Lauriston," he said. "I'm inclined
to believe every word you say. But I shall have to report it, and all the
circumstances, and you'll have to prove that these two rings were your
mother's, and all that--and you must stay here till the doctor comes with
our people. Queer that the old man should be alone! I wonder where his
grand-daughter is?"
But just then the street door opened and Zillah came in, a big bunch of
flowers under one arm, some small parcels in the other. At the sight of
the two men she started; crimsoned as she saw Lauriston; paled again as
she noticed that Ayscough was evidently keeping an eye on him.
"Mr. Ayscough!" she exclaimed. "What's this?--is something the matter?
What are you doing here?" she went on hurriedly, turning to Lauriston.
"Inside the shop! What's happened?--tell me, one of you?"
The detective purposely kept himself and Lauriston between Zillah and the
open door at the rear of the shop. He made a kindly motion of his head
towards her.
"Now, my dear!" he said. "Don't get upset--your grandfather was getting a
very old man, you know--and we can't expect old gentlemen to live for
ever.
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