To be sure Morley was to be at the inquest, but Mrs. Parry took no account of that.
He and the detective would certainly return to The Elms to compare notes.
Also there was another chance.
Steel might go on to see Ware at his place, which was a mile beyond the village.
Giles had caught a cold after his midnight ride and search for the missing motor, and since then had been confined to his bed.
His deposition had been taken down in writing, for the benefit of the jury, as he could not be present himself.
Since he was deeply interested in the matter, Steel would probably go and tell him about the inquest.
Mrs. Parry therefore posted herself at the window about twelve and waited for the detective.
At half-past twelve she saw him come along, having on the previous day made herself acquainted with his personality. He was a dapper pert little man, neat in his dress, and suave in his manners.
Not at all like the detective of fiction as known to Mrs. Parry.
There was no solemnity or hint of mystery about Mr. Steel. He would pass unnoticed in a crowd, and no one would take him for a bloodhound of the law.
He did not even possess the indispensable eagle eye, nor did he utter opinions with the air of an oracle.
In fact, when Mrs. Parry captured him and lured him into her parlor, she was exceedingly disappointed with his appearance.
"No one would even take you for a detective," said she brusquely, whereat Steel laughed cheerily.
"All the better for me, ma'am.
Folk speak more freely when they don't know my business.
But you will excuse me," he added, glancing at his watch, "I am in a hurry.
You say you know something about this matter?"
It was on this pretence that Mrs. Parry had got him into her house, else he would not have wasted his time on her.
She had therefore to make good her words, but had not the slightest chance of doing so.
"I know that Anne Denham is innocent," was all that she could say, but said it with the air of one who settles a difficult matter once and for all.
"On what grounds, ma'am?"
"On no grounds, save those of my own common sense."
"You have no evidence to——?"
"I have the evidence of my own eyes.
You haven't seen the woman.
I have.
She is not the kind of person who would act so."
"The jury take a different view," said Steel dryly. "They have brought in a verdict of wilful murder against her."
"Fools!
But what can you expect from a parcel of tradesmen?
I wish to hear on what grounds they made such idiots of themselves."
Steel was somewhat taken aback by this coolness.
"You must really excuse me," said he, rising, "but I have to see Mr. Ware."
"All in good time, Steel," said the old lady coolly. "You might do worse than spend an hour with me.
There is precious little going on in this parish I don't know of.
I might be able to help you in your search."
"After this woman?" Steel shook his head. "I don't think so.
I expect she has escaped to foreign parts."
"Oh, I know all about that.
I made Trim tell me.
You know Trim, of course.
He was a groom once."
"Isn't he a groom now?"
"Well"—Mrs. Parry rubbed her nose—"you might call him an engineer.
When Ware started a motor-car Trim refused to let anyone else attend to his young master but himself.
He was the servant of old Ware, and thinks it is his duty to look after the son—not but what it's needed," added Mrs. Parry spitefully; "but Trim learned how to work the car, and so he is what you might call an engineer."
"All very interesting ma'am, but I have an appointment."
"It will keep," replied Mrs. Parry suavely. "You had better wait, Steel.
I have something to show you."